Franklin College is proud to announce a $200,000 gift from the estate of Constance J. “Connie” (Richardson) Van Valer, M.D. The gift establishes the Richardson Chapel Maintenance Fund, ensuring the ongoing preservation and care of one of the College’s iconic buildings.

Dr. Van Valer was a 1959 Franklin College alumna, served on the Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2016 and was a trustee emerita until the time of her death in April 2024. She and her husband Joe, a 1959 graduate, were dedicated supporters of the College and community advocates. Married for 50 years, they together contributed to a number of Franklin College initiatives and programs.

Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather expressed sincere gratitude for this gift. “The establishment of the Richardson Chapel Maintenance Fund is a fitting tribute to Connie’s legacy—and that of the Richardson and Van Valer families—ensuring that Richardson Chapel remains a central feature of our campus and our institutional identity. The chapel serves all of our constituents as a space for group worship, individual reflection, celebrations of alumni weddings, and memorial services for alumni and friends who have passed. We are so grateful that Connie included this visionary gift in her estate plan, and we will honor her with conscientious maintenance of Richardson Chapel.”

The Van Valer family’s connection to Franklin College spans multiple generations, marked by their enduring support and dedication. In 2008, Richardson Chapel—originally built in 1976—was both renamed and renovated, thanks to the generosity of Connie and her sisters, Elizabeth “Liz” (Richardson) Ruben, M.D., a 1956 alumna, and Carol (Richardson) Dennis. Their gift was made in memory of their father, the Rev. Dr. Harold W. Richardson, who served as Franklin College’s 10th president from 1949 to 1964. Other family members have attended and supported the college over the years, including Connie and Joe’s children, Kim Van Valer, Kelli (Van Valer) Stropes (1986), Lynn (Van Valer) Faur, M.D. (1989) and Jeff Van Valer, M.D. (1990).

“Every stage of Mom’s life was enhanced by Franklin College from her childhood, her career, marriage and on through her children,” said Kim. ”She took great pride in any opportunity to expose others to the remarkable possibilities conferred by a Franklin College education.”

Richardson Chapel continues to reflect the institution’s belief that spiritual growth is an essential aspect of the student experience, and it is a reminder of the College’s historic affiliation with the American Baptist Churches USA.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.