Franklin College Receives Record Donation
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Franklin College has received a $3.9 million estate commitment from 1971 alumna Eleanor Ackley. The college says the gift is the largest in its history.
Franklin says Ackley’s gift is undesignated, allowing the college to determine where the funds are allocated.
“Franklin College gave me a lifetime of skills and lifelong friends that made my college experience memorable,” Ackley said. “Those friends, classmates and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters have greatly enriched my life to this day. I wish all of them and the college continued success and happiness.”
Ackley is president and owner of Florida Sunshine Vacation Rentals, a business she started with her late husband Robert in 2004. Franklin says the gift is Ackley’s third “significant commitment” to the college.
“Planned gifts provide a sustainable future for generations of Franklin College students,” said Dana Cummings, vice president for institutional advancement. “Donors like Ellie help ensure the distinctive experience offered at Franklin will continue, and her generosity will benefit Grizzly students for decades to come.”
In 2018, Ackley and another donor provided funding to expand the college’s marketing efforts in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The college says Ackley and her husband have also supported the Franklin Fund, Campaign for the Sciences and the softball complex.