By Beth Brosnan
Suffolk has received a $3.1 million bequest from the estate of Francis "Frank" X. Ridge, Jr., BA ’71, JD ’75 (1944-2021). The second-largest bequest in University history, this remarkable gift is being used to support need-based financial aid—a strategic priority for Suffolk and a lifelong passion for Ridge, who often spoke of how much Suffolk challenged and inspired him.
“Suffolk obviously changed my life,” Ridge wrote in a 1993 letter. “God only knows where I would be if it were not for the education I received there. I will always be grateful.”
A Quincy, Massachusetts, native, he first enrolled at Suffolk in 1963, only to see his undergrad education put on hold first by the death of his mother and then by a three-year tour of duty with the US Army.
As his service in Vietnam was drawing to a close—service that earned him a Bronze Star—he reached out to Suffolk about re-enrolling, expecting to be told his time had passed. To his surprise, he was welcomed back warmly, and went on to earn both his undergraduate and law degrees. He enjoyed a long career as a corporate attorney, much of that with the Grass Instrument Company, including as general counsel. Ridge was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Mary "Lois" Happeny.
Ridge made his first gift to Suffolk while still a law student, and would make 40 more over the course of his life, supporting all three schools’ annual funds and capital projects. He joined Suffolk’s Frost Society in the 1990s and designated Suffolk as a 50% beneficiary in his will, which resulted in his $3.1 million gift. The society is named after George Frost, the benefactor of Gleason Archer, the University’s founder.
Plans are underway to honor Ridge and his transformational gift to Suffolk University, one that will benefit the University for generations.
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Photograph by Michael J. Clarke
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