B

Donor Profile: Sally Saltonstall Willis '58

Why did Sally make philanthropic contributions to Chatham Hall?
Chatham Hall meant a great deal to Sally. She formed several friendships during her four years there that lasted throughout her life.
She enjoyed the camaraderie and get-togethers on an annual basis with her Chatham Hall classmates. Sally felt she benefited greatly from the Chatham Hall experience, and she wanted to give others who perhaps couldn’t afford to attend the School the same opportunity to enjoy the wonderful experience she did.
 
Why is it important for other people to support Chatham Hall financially?
Sally felt that it was only with strong alumnae participation that Chatham Hall would grow in strength and endure. She felt that she could provide leadership with that and hoped that she could encourage others to contribute.
 
What did Sally like most about staying involved with Chatham Hall?
Her friendships! Sally had such wonderful times at annual get-togethers with Chatham Hall friends. She also recognized that Chatham Hall took a shy girl and fostered her, encouraged her, and developed her into the wonderful person that she turned out to be. She felt that Chatham Hall played a principal role in that development.
 
What did being an alumna mean to Sally?
Sally felt the bond she developed with Chatham Hall was so strong that she wanted to continue that for the rest of her life — just like her friendships. The School’s values were all part of her personality: kindness, providing a supportive environment, and caring for one another. She cherished the values that the School instilled in her, and she left Chatham Hall with wonderful memories. It really developed her in a way that other schools could not have.
 
 
 
Sally’s dedication to her family, Chatham Hall friends, and to the School was a source of inspiration. Her devotion to Chatham Hall was made evident in her anonymous gift matching challenges to encourage the robust endowing of the Class of 1958 Memorial Scholarship Fund, as well as her gift to the Boundless Potential campaign for a new scholarship in her name. The scholarship will provide financial aid for one or more students who might not otherwise be able to attend Chatham Hall and demonstrate strong character, exemplary citizenship, and deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of School life.
 
Sally lived fully and, in true Chatham Hall form, she appreciated the journey. She sought joy and lightness in service to others, her family, her community, and her School.
 
Thank you to Dudley Willis, Sally’s husband of more than 50 years, for providing the information for this profile.
Back
800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941  •  admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please enter your email above