Gone is the (text)book store of yore that was tucked away in the basement of Colgate Hall and managed by an external partner. In its place is a student-centered, college-run store that offers high-quality branded items and products selected by students, including international foods that meet the needs of a diverse student body.

The reimagined store, shaped by students and christened The Stable, has relocated from Colgate and into the Ware Student Center just in time for Homecoming. The higher-profile location will be more attractive to visiting families and more convenient for students. The move is only possible thanks to Trustee Robin L. Mead ’72, who saw a need and made a gift that will create a big impact.

According to Mead, it is the luxury of scale that differentiates the Colby-Sawyer experience. An alumna who has been a trustee for nearly 18 years, Mead has had the benefit of seeing the college from a unique perspective. From her time as a student at the junior college in the ’70s to celebrating the approval of the college’s first graduate program this spring, Mead has witnessed the impact of empowerment across the community.

“It’s very easy to become passionate about what we do here,” said Mead. “There is something magical about the way the college creates an incredible bond and affinity. I have seen so many people become attracted to Colby-Sawyer and then converted to serve in some capacity — and I attribute that to the capacity for impact by every member of our extended college community.”

At Colby Junior College, women were taught to think as leaders. “I was never afraid to ask a challenging question or step into a leadership role — and that confidence has served me ever since,” she said. “A smaller college like Colby-Sawyer has the ability to meet each student where they are, engage them directly and create opportunities for exponential growth.”

Mead also recognizes the luxury of scale from yet another perspective — that of a donor. All gifts to Colby-Sawyer have a measurable and immediate impact. “Obviously, larger gifts and bequests support our endowment and secure critically important capital improvements,” she said. “But I particularly enjoy the tremendous impact of those smaller gifts that are designated specifically to enhance the student experience. Paid over the next five years, my relatively modest gift to underwrite the store’s move, create a new entrance and provide new furnishings should have a huge impact on recruitment and retention.”

Feel the urge to shop but can’t get to campus? Visit shop.colby-sawyer.edu to restock your Colby-Sawyer gear.

Moved to support student experiences like Robin? Contact Vice President for Advancement Kathy Bonavist at kathy.bonavist@colby-sawyer.edu to discuss ways you can make a lasting impact.