When James “Bud” ’63 and Mary Jo Howe Potter ’62 received the first report on the use of the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund, they were immediately moved by the impact the fund was having on students.
“Your support helped me explore new opportunities more freely and learn more deeply about the world I live in and how to give back to it,” said one student. “I was part of something bigger than just an internship,” shared another. A few months after reading these student experiences, the Potters reached out to Knox and decided to make an additional contribution of $1.25 million to the fund.
Established in memory and honor of the Potter’s daughter, Beth Potter ’89, and her hus- band, Robin Carre ’85, the Potter-Carre fund supports experiential learning opportunities like study abroad or internships for students who demonstrate an interest in public health, education, and social justice, among other areas that were important to Beth and Robin.
The effort to establish the fund was spearheaded by classmates and friends after Beth’s and Robin’s untimely passing. Heather Hellenga ’90, Jeff Gossrow ’88, and Ned Schaub ’91 led the campaign, supported by the generosity of more Knox alumni and friends. The Potter’s addition to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund expands the number of experiences available to students, keeping Beth’s and Robin’s commitment to community engagement and service alive. Mary Jo hopes “our gift will provide opportunities for students to study, analyze, and participate in solutions to real-world problems outside the classroom.”
“This is indeed a very impactful award for our students,” said Lindsey Rogers, who coordinates Knox’s Power of Experience grants that support student experiential learning opportunities. “These experiences and the values that they promote will create a lasting impact in so many ways.”
Their gift to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund is the latest example of the Potter's commitment to their alma mater. Bud and Mary Jo have been lifelong contributors to Knox, supporting the annual fund and capital projects, hosting Knox events, and serving as Admission volunteers. Bud has also served on the Board of Trustees in multiple capacities, including an Alumni Trustee and is currently a General Trustee. He is a recipient of the Knox Alumni Achievement Award and a Knox Service Award for his volunteer activities on behalf of the College. Mary Jo graduated from Knox with a degree in elementary education and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. She has been a member of the Alumni Council, serving as Secretary.
“This gift beautifully reflects how this community came together to honor and uphold the enduring values cherished by Beth and Robin,” said President C. Andrew McGadney. “We are truly grateful for Bud and Mary Jo’s commitment to expanding the Potter-Carre fund, providing more Knox students with the opportunity to explore experiential learning opportunities. Their gift is a true celebration of shared values and enduring legacy."
Marin Hart ’24
Study Abroad with SIT’s Social Movements and Human Rights program, Argentina
“Making the decision to attend this program wasn’t meant to be comfortable, it was meant to make me grow into the version of myself that I want to be—brave, self-assured, and eager to share my voice with the world.”
Brandon Roberts ’25
Study Abroad at Charles University, Czech Republic
“One of my courses has developed into the core of my current religious studies research at Knox. In fact, [an edited version of] the paper I wrote as my final for that class was presented at the Macksey Symposium at Johns Hopkins University.”
Ngoc (Jade) Nguyen ’23
Summer Undergraduate Research, University of Florida Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
“This experience has given me a wonderful opportunity to apply my biochemistry background to the study of diseases and therapies, significantly shaping my decisions regarding graduate school and future career.”
Mira Plante-Cochrane ’23
Internship at Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation, Geneva, IL
“This experience helped me cement my future aspirations of being a social worker. I learned so much about the client- centered work of a social worker, as well as all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and how to communicate professionally with caseworkers.”
Kaustuv Dawadi ’23
Internship working on Rural Access Program Mugu-Humla Link Road, Nepal
“The lives of the people in these rural areas were greatly affected by these projects. [It] made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just an internship. We were actually changing and bettering the lives of so many people.”