Whitman Alumna’s Gift Will Provide Housing Support for Faculty & Staff
Whitman College is grateful to announce a significant gift from a late alumna of the college. More than three decades ago, Helen McAuslan Logan-Schneider ’55 set up a charitable trust that with her passing gives the college ownership of three rental properties near campus which will provide housing support for faculty and staff.
“Walla Walla is not immune to the housing market challenges being felt by cities across the country,” said President Sarah Bolton. “This generous gift will allow the college to provide additional options for affordable housing close to campus which will help us recruit and retain talented faculty and staff. For that, we are so grateful.”
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Logan-Schneider was a Biology major and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the Class of 1955 and maintained a close connection to Whitman College throughout her life. In 1988, she set up the charitable trust that would transfer the ownership of three Walla Walla properties, 28 rental units in total, to Whitman upon her passing.
“In 1988, Helen and John Logan did not likely foresee rapid growth in Walla Walla real estate values and the corresponding challenges of affordability,” said Senior Director of Gift Planning Jamie Kennedy. “But they did want to support Helen’s alma mater with creative planning.”
After 35 years of administering the trust and managing the properties—under the leadership of Pete Reid, Janice Abraham, and Peter Harvey—Helen McAuslan Logan passed away in March and the properties were transferred to Whitman for use by the college. As part of the college’s long-term vision, the rental units will undergo updates and renovations as they become available, ensuring both a convenient and comfortable living environment for many who play a crucial role in the college’s educational mission.
This is not Logan-Schneider’s first gift to the college. Throughout her life, she encouraged the college to build stronger relationships with students from first-generation, marginalized and underrepresented communities. In 2014, she endowed a need-based scholarship to support international students attending Whitman.
Logan-Schneider was also an active member of the Alumni Association, attending numerous reunions and supporting various alumni events.
For her 50th class reunion, reflecting on Whitman College’s impact on her life, Logan-Schneider wrote, “I think a liberal arts education is most important.” She remained a steadfast advocate for Whitman throughout her life and was an active member of the Walla Walla community alongside her husband Ed Schneider.
“Their passion for Whitman and commitment to philanthropy will leave a lasting impact on the college and its ability to support the faculty and staff who provide exceptional educational opportunities for future generations,” said Steve Setchell, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations.
