Gift from DiFelice family represents largest bequest ever made to Salem State College

Acknowledged as the biggest single bequest the college has received, Salem State College president Nancy Harrington last week accepted a check for $500,000 from the estate of Mary DiFelice of Beverly who graduated in 1936.

Saying she hoped it would be "an inspiration to others in public education," Mary Foucht, the niece of DiFelice, presented the bequest from her aunt's will.

Terry Conrad, Acting Vice President of Institutional Advancement, announced the money would establish "The Emilio A. and Mary A. DiFelice Endowed Chair" in Education. "Emilio and Mary shared an enormous affection for Salem State and the generosity of their bequest will have a significant effect on the Department of Education," Conrad said.

Foucht, of Beverly, said she was especially proud to present the check because, "Salem State has given a lot to our family. We just want to give something back." Her daughter, Debbie Kennedy, will graduate from Salem State College in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Leonard Berkal, of Salem, executor of the estate and longtime family friend, presented the check to Dr. Harrington in the president's office.

A longtime member of the Salem State College Alumni Association Board of Directors, DiFelice was active in college affairs, both as an undergraduate and a graduate student.