Donor Profile: Anthony "Tony" and Gladys Sakowich
Established by their estate upon their passing, the Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Charitable Foundation provided a $2 million endowment to Merrimack College.
Anthony “Tony” and Gladys Sakowich of Andover, Massachusetts, were a rare breed. Not only did they live well into their 90s and enjoy a happy marriage for nearly 60 years, but they were also both business pioneers who supported many charities and who were passionate about making a difference for future generations. They gave generously to Merrimack, both during their lives and through The Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Charitable Foundation established by their estate upon their passing.
The Sakowich Foundation trustees honored the wishes of Tony and Gladys with a $2 million endowment to the College to continue supporting Merrimack students—something they were both passionate about.
Both Merrimack’s Gladys Sakowich Center and Anthony Sakowich Recreation Center were named in 2001 to honor the Sakowiches’ generosity. Now, their posthumous endowment has enabled the College to establish both the annual Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Foundation Endowed scholarship for incoming freshmen and The Anthony J. Sakowich Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SCURCA) for student/faculty-focused collaborative summer studies, allowing the Sakowich legacy to live on.
Tony and Gladys Sakowich’s philanthropy is a powerful example of how legacy gifts impact future generations of students at Merrimack College.
Gladys grew up in Methuen, Massachusetts, and became a young widow when her first husband died in World War II. As someone with a knack for finance and investment, she took over running his lumber business in Lawrence, and it grew under her leadership. She was always altruistic, serving on many charitable, banking, and educational boards, including the Merrimack College Board of Trustees.
Tony was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. An avid pilot and World War II veteran, he attended Tulane and Bentley Universities. He became a successful inventor, patenting a process to mold laminated countertops. Although Gladys and Tony had no children of their own, they were dedicated to improving the lives of young people, especially Merrimack students.
In 2018, Delia Cormier ’22 became the first recipient of the Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Foundation Endowed Scholarship, awarded to a select student from the Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire Lakes Region, or associated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. With a 3.9 GPA, Delia was president of her Laconia High School senior class, ran track and cross-country, played basketball, and was homecoming queen. She is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Merrimack.
SCURCA provides an annual stipend for a select group of students to conduct research alongside faculty in May and June each year. This summer, 24 student/faculty groups focused on topics such as Evidence of Female Perceptual Bias in Fish and Coping Through the Cancer Diagnosis Process. Guest researchers, distinguished speakers, and social events are all funded through the endowment as well.
“The Sakowich name has become legendary on campus,” says Merrimack President Christopher Hopey. “And now the Sakowiches have made an even greater impact with the endowed scholarship, undergraduate research center, and many other gifts that have improved student life.” Adds President Hopey, “Tony and Gladys Sakowich left an enormous impact on the world with their commitment to improving young lives. We are forever grateful for their kindness.”
To learn more about how you can make a lasting impact at Merrimack, and on our students, contact us at 978-837-5176 or giving@merrimack.edu.
