Class of 1949 Alumna Leaves Largest Gift in School History

Susanne Eck attended The Bryn Mawr School from kindergarten through her graduation in 1949. She earned a BA in political science/government from Mount Holyoke College in 1953. Susanne’s nephew, Eben Eck, says his aunt’s Bryn Mawr days were an “important part of her life, and among her happiest times.” 

Susanne was a paralegal early in her career. She and Bill spent their marriage in Towson, Maryland, where they kept mostly to themselves, according to family and friends. They enjoyed skeet shooting together out on a farm, as well as dancing. Susanne passed away from cancer in 2017 and Bill died in 2021. Family attorney Jon Eisner, who worked with the Higinbothoms for nearly 20 years, remembers Susanne as “kind and dedicated, a straight talker, and confident in what she wanted.”

“Susanne spent her formative years at Bryn Mawr and felt very connected to the Bryn Mawr community while she was a student and throughout the rest of her life,” Eisner said. “Susanne’s interests and sense of self grew significantly during her Bryn Mawr years through her commitment to academics, involvement with athletics and leadership in various clubs and publications. With this gift, Susanne and Bill wanted to ensure that all students feel supported, known and encouraged, particularly in their middle school years, as it is a time of remarkable academic, social and personal growth.” 

In honor of Susanne's and Bill's wishes, through endowed funds, this gift will support the expansion of student services in the Middle School, and in addition will fund some renovations and updates to the existing Middle School spaces.

In recognition of this extraordinary gift, the North Building, one of the anchor buildings on Bryn Mawr’s 26-acre campus, will be renamed the William and Susanne Eck Higinbothom ‘49 Building. The 35,000-square-foot facility serves primarily Middle School students, with seven classrooms, a large lobby and assembly area, two science labs, a Maker Space, a dance studio, and music rehearsal rooms.

“It is our profound honor to carry out the wishes of the Higinbothoms and preserve their legacy at The Bryn Mawr School,” said Sue Sadler, Head of School. “This generous gift reflects the lasting impact that Bryn Mawr had on Susanne’s life, the support she felt from her teachers and classmates, and above all else, the Higinbothoms’s deep belief in the power of a transformative education.” 

Susanne was a member of the Ex Solo Ad Solem Society, a group of generous donors who have included Bryn Mawr in their estate planning as a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy while ensuring the school’s mission reaches the next generation of students.