Alice G. Chapman Society Story

For Alice G. Chapman, "...her life and her resources were a trust to be used for others, and she experienced the keenest enjoyment in exercising this trust."

These words were written by Lucia Briggs, President of Milwaukee-Downer College, for the 1937 dedication of Chapman Memorial Library, now known as UWM's Chapman Hall. They honor Alice G. Chapman (1853-1935), whose generous lifetime giving and $1 million bequest enabled the College to build an unrestricted endowment, to enhance its art collection, to endow faculty positions, and to erect the Chapman Memorial Library.

Alice Chapman grew up in Milwaukee, attended Milwaukee Female College and served on Milwaukee-Downer College's Board of Trustees (these schools were once housed in the red brick buildings that are part of UWM's campus). Her father, T.A. Chapman, founded a dry goods store in Milwaukee in 1857, and "Chapman's" remained a well-known local retailer until the 1980s. Our Chapman Hall cornerstone contains a photo of Alice and a copy of her will.

Chapman Hall became a part of UWM in 1964, when UWM acquired the Milwaukee-Downer College campus. A graceful centerpiece for the Kenwood Campus, it symbolizes educational excellence and leadership for UWM, and now houses the Office of the Chancellor.

In 2001, UWM established the Alice G. Chapman Society to recognize alumni and friends whose passionate support for UWM extends to including the UWM Foundation in their estate planning. As did Lucia Briggs, we "remember with reverence and gratitude the wise and generous friend whose great gift, a climax to years of generous and helpful giving, has made this building possible."

Today's Alice G. Chapman Society includes hundreds of members whose planned gifts will enhance UWM's mission for years to come. Member benefits include an annual appreciation event and campus update by university leaders, planned this year for mid-April. Members also receive ticket vouchers with parking privileges for campus performances.

Confirming your gift intentions and joining the Alice G. Chapman Society permits UWM to express its gratitude to you during your lifetime, and helps UWM plan for the future. For more information on how you can become a member, contact Gretchen E. Miller, J.D. at (414) 229-3067 or gemiller@uwm.edu.

Thanks to UWM Libraries, Archives Department, for the material for this article.