Opening Doors: The Class of 1971’s Lasting Legacy

In celebration of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1971 turned gratitude into action by establishing the Class of ’71 Annual Scholarship — an initiative that quickly grew beyond a single award. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, multiple scholarships were awarded, expanding their impact and opening doors for deserving students.

Over the past four years, their collective giving has helped make a Queens education possible for more than 25 students, providing more than $500,000 in scholarship support. Their commitment reflects not only their love for their alma mater and shared belief in the transformative power of education, but in the power of investing in women as well. Attending Queens when it was an all-women’s college provided a lasting experience that helped shape the scholarship.

“At Queens, we were given so many opportunities to grow as leaders,” reflects Sallie Trippe Broach ’71, “because of the small size of the college and the dedicated professors who challenged us and believed in us as women.”

Dee Malone ’71 echoed that sentiment, celebrating that many of their classmates went on to take on leadership roles in their careers and communities — empowered by the foundational beliefs instilled in them as students. For Malone, seeing the impact of that generosity firsthand only deepened her commitment to giving. “I‘ve attended events at Queens where students described the value of their scholarships,” she recalls. “It was apparent that they would make a difference in the lives of others — thus perpetuating the gift.”

As they approached their 55th reunion, the Class committed to endowing a scholarship that would support students in perpetuity. In the past year alone, they contributed more than $165,000 to establish the Queens Class of 1971 Endowed Scholarship, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from their vision and generosity. That spirit is perhaps best captured in the Queens motto they carry with them: “Not to be served, but to serve,” which Malone describes as “the core of how many in the class have approached their years after Queens.”

In honor of the education, friendships, and experiences that shaped their lives, Queens is proud to celebrate the enduring impact of the Class of ’71. Their legacy is not only measured in dollars raised, but in lives changed — and in the bright futures made possible through their commitment to the university.