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• Significance over Seniority - May 19th, 2010
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March 9, 2010 • Amanda Turner  
Filed under BuccaNews, Top Stories, Uncategorized

       Lake Forest College has experienced the unthinkable- all because of their impact on one former student. Grace Groner had a rough life from the beginning when both her and her twin sister lost their mother and father when they were twelve. Taken in by the Andersons, who were family friends at the unfortunate time, the sisters learned early on the concept of frugality. The generosity of the Anderson family allowed Grace and Gladys to attend Lake Forest College after high school. It is well known among her teachers and peers that Grace felt an immediate connection to the education hotspot and remained active in sports games and cultural festivities even after finishing her schooling. After graduation in 1931, Grace Groner took an occupation as a secretary for Abbott Laboratories in that area. The year of 1935 would end up altering her future forever. It was during this time that she bought three $60 shares of exclusively offered Abbott stock. The key factor in this monumental decision is that she never sold them over the rest of her lifetime, which resulted in Ms. Groner accumulating a handsome sum long before her death. The real shocker is that Grace Groner never spent a single dime or dollar of her fortune for herself. Surrounded in a world that is highly materialistic, Groner truly grasped the idea that, “Who you are, is more important than what you have.” She didn’t own a car and moved into a one bedroom house only when it was willed to her by a friend. Grace Groner never married and never had children, which gave her plenty of room to anonymously help the needy in her community. She was also an active volunteer and participant at the First Presbyterian Church where Pastor Kent Kinney described her as, “very sensitive to people not having a whole lot. Grace would see those people, would know them, and she would make gifts.” Donating on a larger scale, Grace gave $180,000 to L.F.C. in order to fund a few students to study internationally. Yet, this woman wasn’t done making a difference. Two years ago, Groner set up a foundation at the college to receive her fortune. When Groner passed away this Jan, 19^th, her estate passed into the hands of L.F.C. and the president, Stephen Schutt’s, immediate response was, “Oh, my God.” Grace Groner’s estate grew to $7 million all from those three bonds worth $180. Shutt informs the world this foundation will result in more than $300,000 per year for the college’s students to have more access and opportunities for abroad learning experiences.  Who would have thought that one woman’s penny pinching skills and genuine desire to care would leave a lasting legacy on students for generations to come?