Washington College Magazine
Donor Endows Art Program
Donald McColl was recognized at Convocation as the inaugural Underwood Professor.
Donald McColl has been named the Nancy L. Underwood Professor in Art and Art History. McColl joined the faculty of Washington College in 1997 after receiving his Ph.D. in art history from the University of Virginia. The endowed professorship was established through a $1 million gift from John Underwood of Chestertown, on behalf of his late wife, Nancy L. Underwood. The gift was matched 100 percent by The Hodson Trust.
"Nancy took a lifelong pleasure in the study of art and art history," said Underwood. "A descendant of the Chappell family, she built her own collection and preserved treasures passed down in her family through generations. She took comfort that she had found in Washington College a venue to foster in others her passion for art and to preserve favorite pieces from her collection."
The Underwoods have donated several heirlooms from the Chappell family, including a 17th-century chest-on-chest, a sterling silver tea service, two 19th-century Paris vases and three early portraits.
"The generosity of the Underwoods will enrich art education for generations of Washington College students to come," said President Baird Tipson. "We are truly grateful for their gift and for their belief in the College's mission to transform and inspire young lives through the liberal arts."
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