Lorheta "Lou" Higgins was a friend of the College for more than 20 years. She was an engaging conversationalist, and enjoyed talking about social and educational issues. She was a knowledgeable investor. As with other investments, Mrs. Higgins did extensive research on the organizations she chose to support, and wanted maximum value for her gifts. A close friend said that she would be pleased with the use of her estate gift for the Recreation Center, as it will provide meaningful advantages for B-W students and members of the College community for years to come.
Mrs. Higgins was ahead of her time as an effective business woman, focusing in real estate. Her real estate holdings on the east coast were extensive from New England to Florida, where she lived in the later years of her life. Notable renovations included prominent Boston edifices in the area of the Massachusetts Statehouse in the late 1940s, particularly the renovation of Beacon Hill and Joy Street.
Her gift to the recent Malicky Center project garnered her naming rights to the renovated facility. She chose to honor College president Neal Malicky, electing to have the building carry his name rather than her own.
A concerned citizen and caring philanthropist, Mrs. Higgins supported many charitable organizations including the Salvation Army, Northwestern University, the Palmer Eye Institute (Miami University, Florida,) Shriner's Hospital, and several schools in the Fort Lauderdale area.
275 Eastland Rd.