On Oct. 11, Barbara Marsh Jones ’53, Cathy Volanakis and chair of the Board of Trustees Peter Volanakis were inducted into the Colby-Sawyer Legends Society, which recognizes those who support the college with lifetime philanthropic gifts of $1 million or more.

"For all time, the lives of our students, alumni, faculty and staff will benefit from their connection to a stronger, more challenging, better regarded institution because of the care and dedication of Peter, Cathy, Barbara and all of our Legends," Colby-Sawyer President Susan D. Stuebner said.

Cathy and Peter Volanakis

Incredible generosity, combined with a remarkable understanding of and respect for the transformative educational experience Colby-Sawyer offers its students, has vaulted Cathy and Peter Volanakis into the upper echelons of those dedicated to supporting the college.

President Susan D. Stuebner presents chair of the Board of Trustees Peter Volanakis with a gift in recognition of his induction.
President Susan D. Stuebner with chair of the Board of Trustees Peter Volanakis.

Since Peter joined the Board of Trustees in 2012, he and Cathy have made strategic and timely gifts directed to growing the college’s endowment and toward capital and other improvements that are critical to recruiting and retaining students, including the Colby-Sawyer Fund, the Center for Art + Design and marketing initiatives. The driving force behind a trustee challenge to build the college’s endowment, Cathy’s and Peter’s commitment to Colby-Sawyer will strengthen its future for generations of students to come.

Peter retired as president of Corning Incorporated in 2010. He chaired the college’s Presidential Search Committee and the Finance and Enrollment Committee, and he has served on the Board Organization Committee, the Academic Affairs and Investment Committees as well as the Admissions Tuition Pricing Policy Group.

Barbara Marsh Jones '53

Barbara Marsh Jones fell in love with Colby Junior College the moment she set foot on campus. Years later, the campus drew her in again. Along with her husband, Arthur, Barbara retired to New London and made her home across the street from her alma mater.

Vice President for College Advancement Dan Parish presents Jennifer Richardson with a gift in recognition of her grandmother's induction.
Vice President for College Advancement Dan Parish with Jennifer Richardson, who attended the recognition ceremony on behalf of grandmother, Barbara Marsh Jones '53.

A private person, Barbara was quiet about her philanthropy. It was not until after her passing in 2015 that the college learned of her gift to help shape the Center for Art + Design and the campus experience for years to come.

Barbara was the proud grandmother of Jennifer Richardson and the great-grandmother of Elizabeth Paige Richardson.