Denison University has received a new $7.5 million gift from Bon French Pʼ11 to establish the French Family Fund for Unrestricted Support, providing flexible resources that will help the university advance its highest priorities and respond to emerging opportunities.
The gift reflects the French family’s enduring belief in the transformative power of a Denison education and represents one of the most significant forms of philanthropic confidence a university can receive. The unrestricted gift allows Denison to direct funding where it is needed most — expanding the college’s ability to invest in students, faculty, and campus life as part of the bold vision of What We Can Be: The Denison Campaign.
“This gift is an extraordinary vote of trust in Denison and in our future,” said President Adam Weinberg. “Bon and the French family have been steadfast partners for many years, supporting not only facilities, scholarships, and programs, but the people who make this university so special. Their generosity has helped strengthen Denison in countless ways.”
The commitment is the latest chapter in a relationship with Denison that spans generations.
Holly French ʼ76
The family’s connection to the university began with Bon’s late wife, Holly French ʼ76, whose experience as a student sparked a lasting affection for Denison. A history and mathematics major and devoted campus leader, Holly remained deeply engaged with the university throughout her life, eventually sharing her alma mater with son Taylor French ʼ11. “Holly couldn’t be more proud of the fact that Taylor chose to go to Denison,” said Bon.
Classmates remember Holly as someone who naturally brought people together and formed lasting bonds. “There was a real depth to her, both in her intellect and her sense of compassion,” said close friend Jody Walter ʼ76. Mollie McCurdy ʼ76 described Holly as “a doer, always up for adventure, and loyal,” while Liz Donahue ʼ76 said their beloved friend was “always good at being the center of any group she was in. She was a really great connector.”
That spirit of connection helped shape the French family’s ties to Denison. Holly made her first gift to the university in 1976, kicking off five decades of continuous support. Together, Bon and Holly became some of Denison’s most dedicated benefactors, investing more than $11.24 million in the university over the years and helping create countless opportunities. Their children — alum Taylor and daughter, Katheryn Meagher — remain engaged with the university.
Their philanthropy has strengthened many aspects of Denison, including the construction of the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts — now a thriving campus hub of community and creativity — and the renovation of Ebaugh Laboratories, earning LEED certification and helping Denison become an innovator in the chemical sciences. Their generosity has inspired others to give back to the university, particularly through gifts that expand access and affordability for students.
“What has always stood out about Bon and Holly is their belief in the long-term health of the college,” said Greg Bader, vice president for institutional advancement. “This gift reflects a remarkable dedication to ensuring that future generations of students have the same opportunities that have meant so much to their family.”
Bon, who has built an accomplished career at Adams Street Partners in Chicago, said this latest commitment reflects both gratitude for the role Denison has played for his family and confidence in the university’s mission and direction.
“Denison has been an important part of our family’s story for many years,” Bon said. “The experiences Holly had as a student shaped so much of what came afterward. The students here form very close bonds, closer than at most other colleges and universities. We have seen firsthand the impact Denison can have on young people.”
The gift contributes to the university’s ambitious What We Can Be campaign. The $400 million fundraising initiative is focused on five priorities: access and affordability, academic excellence, career launch, enhancing student life, and the alumni network for life. Unrestricted support plays an important role in advancing those goals by allowing Denison to respond strategically to rising needs and opportunities while maintaining the flexibility required to thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
For Denison, the French family’s latest gift is an investment in momentum and a continuation of a legacy built through decades of service.
“The ongoing generosity of Holly and Bon has made Denison stronger and reflects a profound commitment to enriching the lives of other Denisonians. We are incredibly grateful that this partnership continues,” said Weinberg. “Their belief in what Denison can be will help shape what Denison becomes.”
