NORTHFIELD — Thomas Aquinas College has received $38.15 million, the largest gift in the college’s 55-year history, and the New England campus is poised to benefit.
The gift from the William and Barbara Martin Foundation includes $15 million for the Fr. Buckley Endowment, which supports student financial aid, and $2.5 million for the upcoming year’s operating expenses, which will assist the Northfield campus and the one in Santa Paula, California. The Fr. Buckley Endowment is named for the Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley, who was ordained nearly 64 years ago and recently turned 100.
“We were all just completely amazed and so grateful,” said Christopher Weinkopf, executive director of college relations.
A ceremony was held on April 15 to announce the gift to students on the Catholic liberal arts college’s California campus.
John J. Goyette, the college’s vice president for advancement, said in a statement that “the Martins’ legacy of generosity will benefit TAC students both immediately and for generations to come.”
William and Barbara Martin were not Thomas Aquinas College alumni, though they were faithful friends and loyal benefactors, contributing almost $2 million to its program of Catholic liberal education. William retired as the chair and CEO of UnionFed Financial Corp. and died in January 2015 at age 90. Barbara died in February 2023 at age 98.
“It was always heartening to witness the Martins’ devotion to their Catholic faith, their love and affection for one another, their belief in the college’s mission, and their humility and modesty,” Thomas Aquinas College President Paul J. O’Reilly said in a statement. He came to know the couple while visiting their home in the Pacific Palisades.
