Springfield Museums Announce Naming Gift from Noel and Carol Leary
At their Annual Holiday Gala on December 3, the Springfield Museums announced a major naming gift made by Noel and Carol Leary. Carol is currently President of Bay Path University; Noel is a retired real estate association executive and consultant to not-for-profit organizations.
In recognition of their contribution, the Impressionist Art Gallery in the Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts will now be named “The Carol and Noel Leary Gallery of Impressionist Art.” The gallery houses paintings by such major artists as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, and Paul Gauguin.
The Learys have made their gift as part of the Museums’ Capital Campaign titled Seuss In Springfield: Building a Better Quadrangle. The $7 million campaign will fund major improvements to the Springfield Museums campus and the creation of a new museum honoring Springfield native Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss.
Noel Leary commented, “Carol and I wanted to help guarantee that this world-class museum complex will continue to be the crown jewel of Springfield. Our financial advisor showed us how to combine current giving with a legacy commitment to achieve far more than we had ever considered. We hope that our gift will serve as an inspiration to our colleagues and friends that something similar is indeed possible with a bit of planning. ” Carol added, “As an educator, I know the significant role the arts play in exposing students to the world of creativity and ideas. The museum is another classroom where they are introduced to different forms of human expression. The arts are truly a universal language cutting across social, ethnic, and economic boundaries—inspiring students in limitless ways.”
Springfield Museums President Kay Simpson stated, “Noel and Carol are long-standing and dedicated advocates for the Museums,” adding, “We are truly honored by their display of generosity and for their leadership in bolstering our capital campaign.”
Photo credit: Ed Cohen Photography
Shown in photo (L-R): Donald D’Amour, Michele D’Amour, Carol Leary, Noel Leary