Richardson Chapel on Franklin College’s campus is shown in 2022.
Daily Journal File Photo
With the help of a grant from a recently deceased alumni and supporter, Franklin College has established a fund to preserve one of its “iconic buildings.”
Franklin College received a $200,000 gift from the Dr. Constance “Connie” (Richardson) Van Valer estate to establish the Richardson Chapel Maintenance Fund. The fund will preserve and care for the Richardson Chapel, which was originally built in 1905.
Van Valer was a 1959 alumna of the college, serving on the board of trustees from 1999 to 2016 and as a trustee emerita until her death in April, according to a news release.
“The establishment of the Richardson Chapel Maintenance Fund is a fitting tribute to Connie’s legacy — and that of the Richardson and Van Valer families — ensuring that Richardson Chapel remains a central feature of our campus and our institutional identity,” said Kerry Prather, Franklin College president. “The chapel serves all of our constituents as a space for group worship, individual reflection, celebrations of alumni weddings and memorial services for alumni and friends who have passed. We are so grateful that Connie included this visionary gift in her estate plan, and we will honor her with conscientious maintenance of Richardson Chapel.”
The Richardson Chapel is a reflection of the institution’s belief “that spiritual growth is an essential part of the student experience” and a reminder of the college’s historic affiliation with the American Baptist Churches USA, according to the college. The chapel was renamed and renovated in 2008 “thanks to the generosity of Connie and her sisters,” Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” (Richardson) Ruben, a 1956 alumna, and Carol (Richardson) Dennis. The gift was made in memory of their father, Dr. Harold Richardson, who was Franklin College’s 10th president from 1949 to 1964.
Other members of the family have attended and supported the college including Van Valer’s husband Joe, who was also 1959 alumna of the college, and some of their children.
“Every stage of mom’s life was enhanced by Franklin College from her childhood, her career, marriage and on through her children,” said Kim Van Valer, one of Connie and Joe Van Valer’s children. “She took great pride in any opportunity to expose others to the remarkable possibilities conferred by a Franklin College education.”
