Alan F. Hilfiker

University Trustee Alan Hilfiker ’60 was the first in his family to attend college. With the help of a generous scholarship, he enjoyed a positive and enriching experience at the University. And when he graduated, he aspired to “repay” the University for all he had gained.

Hilfiker, chair of the estate and planned giving initiative for The Meliora Challenge, realized a lifetime goal when he made a significant gift that created the Alan F. Hilfiker Distinguished Professorship in English. He has also established the Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursue academic careers of distinction in English, and the Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, for first-generation college students who plan to study English or the humanities.

To achieve his philanthropic goals, Hilfiker made annual payments to a charitable remainder unitrust (managed by the University) and a gift of life insurance. Using this strategy, he was able to ensure that he and his wife, Carol Hilfiker ’60W, would enjoy income from the trust and, ultimately, fully fund the professorship and scholarship.

“I’m hopeful that through these efforts, the University and English department will continue to inspire through research and excellent teaching. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be able to contribute in my small way to a department that enriched my life. I am a very proud and grateful alumnus.”

Pictured: Kenneth Gross, Ph.D., the inaugural Alan F. Hilfiker Distinguished Professor, and Alan Hilfiker ’60 shake hands at an installation ceremony where they were joined by Joanna B. Olmsted, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.