Legacy Society honored Joseph Kilcran'58

For the second year, Legacy Society members were honored at the Golden Circle Luncheon, which acknowledges alumni who were graduated 50 or more years ago from Western. The Legacy Society was established to recognize those individuals who have made a charitable provision for WCSU in their estate plans. Those donors make a significant contribution to benefit future generations at the university.

The university and Foundation recognize that bequest intentions are a personal matter. However, we ask that participants consider allowing us to acknowledge their support during their lifetimes so we can share the news of their gift, which may encourage others to come forward. We honor Society members by giving them a special pin that signifies their thoughtful planning for Western’s future. This year, the pinning ceremony at the luncheon was attended by Society members President James Schmotter, Lea Neylan, Gail Hill Williams ’87 and Mary and Rudy Behrens, all of whom were pinned at last year’s ceremony.

Also pinned were Martinho and Valeria Leardini, close friends of the late Joseph Kilcran ’58. Kilcran grew up in Danbury and Bethel and graduated from Danbury Teacher’s College (now known as Western Connecticut State University). He earned a Master of Art from Bridgeport University. He then taught at South Street Elementary School in Danbury, in Ridgefield and in Katonah, New York. After he retired from teaching in 1994, he volunteered for the Danbury High School after-school tutoring program.

An avid tennis player who also enjoyed racquetball, Kilcran was a champion baton twirler who performed with the Grassy Plain Drum Corps for many years. In 1951, he won at least seven first-place medals in junior championships. By 1962, he had won 64 medals, 12 trophies and the title of State Champion.

Mr. Kilcran passed away in April of 2011. He remembered Western in his will and established a scholarship fund, the Joseph Kilcran Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

For questions concerning bequests and planned giving, please contact Jane von Trapp, director of development, at 203-837-8419 or vontrappj@wcsu.edu.