When Colgate first launched the Colgate Commitment, it was with the understanding that its promises could be kept thanks to the trust, cooperation, and investment of the University’s alumni and friends. Each expansion of the Colgate Commitment has made the University more accessible and affordable for the finest students. It also has increased the University’s responsibility to ensure the funding is in place to make those promises possible.
In 2023 John Hoyns ’76 made a significant promise of his own when he pledged $20 million to Colgate through his estate. When realized, Hoyns’ bequest will create the John Hoyns ’76 Endowed Scholarship, providing an extraordinary infusion of resources for students with demonstrated financial need.
Even more remarkable: Hoyns asked that his generosity be leveraged to inspire a wave of outright philanthropic support for the Colgate Commitment in order to double the impact of his gift.
In response, 10 generous alumni and alumni couples have committed
$1 million each to financial aid as “Hoyns Challengers.”
→ Jeanne ’82 and Phillip Foussard P’16,’18
→ Christopher ’90 and Beth Dalrymple ’90, P’28
→ Toby Bozzuto ’96 and Robin Bozzuto
→ Chris Clifford ’67, H’11, P’93 and family
→ Alan Greene ’51, P’81, GP’08
→ Plus five anonymous commitments
These challenge gifts will serve as catalysts to raise an additional $10 million in outright gifts to the endowment from the wider donor community.
In all, Colgate is anticipating an additional $20 million in outright gifts to financial aid on top of Hoyns’ $20 million estate provision. With the successful completion of the Hoyns Challenge, Colgate will have built tremendous momentum toward satisfying the long-term obligations of the Colgate Commitment and realizing the University’s extraordinary vision for financial aid.
As a student, Hoyns majored in history and served as a member of the Student Senate and general manager of WRCU. After graduating, Hoyns attended the University of Michigan School of Law and received his JD in 1979. While working for Hughes, Hubbard & Reed LLP, he was a corporate generalist before becoming one of the leading aviation finance lawyers in the nation.
His first gift to Colgate was a $4 contribution during his senior year. Since beginning his career, his gifts to the school have grown steadily over the years, and he has long supported the Colgate Fund and the Colgate Fund Scholarship.
As he sought to make a more lasting impact and improve access and affordability, Hoyns saw the opportunity to elevate the Colgate Commitment through his philanthropy.