Dedication to Carleton

March 1st, 2002

George and Pat Cassat '46

The Cassats have made supporting Carleton an important part of their lives. They’ve given to the Alumni Annual Fund since they graduated in 1946. They have been admissions volunteers and class agents for more than 30 years. They have led the Los Angeles Alumni Club, chaired the Los Angeles Capital Drive in the 1970s, and served as co-chairs of their 50^th reunion committee. Pat also served on the Board of Trustees in the 1970s and George served on the Alumni Council in the 1990s.

The Class of 1946 50^th reunion committee had considered designating part of their class gift for general repair and upkeep of residence halls, but after investigating the condition of the residence halls, the Cassats themselves took the lead in financing a major renovation project specifically for Nourse Hall.

“The only way I know of to make charitable gifts is to make things better for tomorrow,” George says.

The Cassats’ association with Carleton presidents started in the early 1970s, when one of their daughters, Norma Jean Falink ’73, needed surgery while she was a student. Pat came to Northfield to help her recover, planning to stay on a cot in Norma Jean’s room, but then-president Howard Swearer insisted that Pat stay at Nutting House. The Cassats returned the hospitality Swearer extended to Pat by hosting Carleton presidents at their home for the past three decades.

Pat Cassat passed away on March 10, 2008. The Carleton College community extends its deepest sympathies to George, Norma Jean, and the entire Cassat family. We are indeed grateful for all she did during her lifetime to support and strengthen Carleton.

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