During his sophomore year at Hampden-Sydney, Lance Lavenstein ’71 received a letter from his father with some sage advice. “Shoot for the moon, and be willing to settle for a star. Keep your ambitions high, and accept disappointments and setbacks. Be willing to compromise with oneself,” his father wrote.
One area where there has been no compromise is Lavenstein’s ongoing devotion to Hampden-Sydney College, both in words and action. “There is a true bond of brotherhood at Hampden-Sydney that continues long after graduation. Class Reunions, Theta Chi Fraternity Reunions, and Homecomings are markers in my life’s journey. These events have strengthened my love and devotion to the College,” he shared.
“During my college years, I became a leader and advocate. I ran for Student Government on a platform of eliminating mandatory Sunday chapel and allowing women in the dorms. I led classmates in non-violent anti-war protests as well as discussions with professors,” noted Lavenstein.
After graduation, Lavenstein pursued a career in real estate in Virginia Beach while maintaining close ties with his Hampden-Sydney professors, fraternity brothers, and classmates. His financial success enabled him to lend support to various endeavors over the years.
While attending the memorial service of Squires Professor Emeritus of History Ron Heinemann, Lavenstein was galvanized to expand his support, saying: “I reflected on what I could do to honor beloved professors while contributing at a higher level to Hampden-Sydney.”
Through his estate planning, Lavenstein has established two endowments that reflect the richness of his Hampden-Sydney bond and life’s journey. The first is an athletic scholarship to honor another legendary history professor, Elliott Emeritus Professor of History Jim Simms, who founded Hampden-Sydney’s soccer program and served as coach. This endowment is being funded by Lavenstein and fellow alumni.
The other endowment is influenced by Lavenstein’s love of the outdoors and adventure travels. “The HSC Outdoor Educational Endowment was created to pass on my lifelong passion for travel and discovery which has enriched my life,” explained Lavenstein.
Lavenstein knows that it will take fellow alumni expanding their support to ensure Hampden-Sydney continues to change and adapt to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Always one to shoot for the moon, Lavenstein has high hopes for his beloved alma mater. He realizes the time is now to engage in estate planning, designating gifts to institutions like Hampden-Sydney, leaving a rich legacy for the College’s next generation of graduates.
Your gift supports the Tiger legacy and positions the College for another century of forming good men and good citizens.
For further assistance, please contact:
Office of Gift & Estate Planning
(434) 223-6780
giftplanning@hsc.edu