Who was Gamaliel Painter?
Gamaliel Painter was one of Middlebury College's founding fathers, a tireless advocate of the College in its earliest years and a vital benefactor. Upon his death in 1819, Painter's generosity carried on in the form of a bequest which literally saved the fledgling school from financial turmoil. Painter bequeathed more than his money to the College. In his will, Gamaliel Painter also left his cane, a sturdy walking stick with a deep blue ribbon and a steel tip. Throughout Middlebury's history, the cane has stood as a reminder of Painter's legacy of leadership and support. Today, each student receives a replica of Painter's Cane upon graduation from Middlebury.
What is the Cane Society?
In the fall of 1989, the Trustees of Middlebury College voted to establish Gamaliel Painter's Cane Society to recognize Middlebury alumni and friends who support the College through life income gifts and estate intentions. Over the past decade, this group has grown significantly. Today, we have more than 1,000 members.
All alumni, parents and friends of Middlebury are invited to be recognized as members of Gamaliel Painter's Cane Society by establishing a life income gift or by providing for the College upon their death. Cane Society members receive a special pin which recognizes these gifts and/or estate intentions. They also receive quarterly newsletters about what is happening at the College and are invited to an annual luncheon Reunion Weekend featuring President Liebowitz.
The College wishes to express its deepest appreciation to members of the Society for their commitment to Middlebury and for carrying on the legacy of Gamaliel Painter.
Oh, it's rap, rap, rap,
And it's tap, tap, tap,
If you listen you can hear it sounding plain;
For a helper true and tried,
As the generations glide,
There is nothing like Gamaliel Painter's Cane.
Chorus, Gamaliel Painter's Cane
For more information about Gamaliel Painter's Cane Society, or to become a member, contact the Office of Gift Planning.
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