Dr. Maureen O'Toole

After nearly three decades as a respected member of the Marlborough faculty, Dr. Maureen O'Toole retired as Head of the Fine Arts Department in 2001. Today, her legacy extends not only to the many women whose lives she enriched with her teaching—but also to future students who will benefit from her estate planned gift to Marlborough.

"I wanted to give something back to a place that has given me so much in my life," says Dr. O'Toole. "I have had the pleasure of seeing students discover hidden talents and interests at Marlborough. I have watched them go on to become participants in and supporters of the arts in their communities."

"Making a gift was a way for me to honor them; to honor the extraordinary professionals at Marlborough; to honor a program that provides exposure to an array of cultures and ideas."

"There is nothing that compares to seeing a spark ignite inside a student and then, with careful tending and plenty of fuel, watching it turn into a flame that burns for a lifetime. Marlborough alumnae today are documentarians, TV and theater producers, directors, news anchors, performers, and playwrights. They sit on museum boards, they attend the symphony, they subscribe to arts publications. I am very proud of what they have done."

"Over time, I have had a wonderful view of not only the enduring friendships the girls have with each other, but with their teachers as well. I continue to hear from a number of former students, and at my retirement party, so many of them from the 70s, 80s, and 90s were there to wish me well. That lasting connection to so many remarkable women brings me a great deal of joy."

"There are violets growing all over Southern California, and I would encourage anyone who has lost contact with the Marlborough community to consider reconnecting in this tangible way—with a planned gift. I believe it rewards the donor as much as it benefits the school."

"I have had the privilege of being a part of Marlborough's past; this gift allows me the privilege of being a part of Marlborough's future."