Posted on Jan 12, 2006

We know little about J. Lawrence Hennessey.He came to Union during the Great Depression. A native of Saratoga Springs, he majored in Social Studies, served as an associate editor of the Garnet, and wrote for The Idol. | He served in the Army between 1943 and 1946 and then spent many years working for the Federal government, first with the Veterans Administration in New York State and then with the Civil Service Commission in Virginia until he retired in 1969. | As an alumnus, he often submitted information for class notes but there is no record of him returning to campus. | In 1973, Larry Hennessey executed his will, naming Union College as the beneficiary of his estate following the death of his wife, Anne. He died young in 1979. Anne, a great steward of their family resources, passed away in 2002, leaving well over $1 million to Larry's alma mater. | The generous gift was unrestricted, allowing the College to address a number of critical campaign priorities. The Hennessey gift will be invested in endowments to support faculty and the Minerva Houses as part of student academic and social life at Union. | Because Mr. Hennessey did not inform Union of his plans, we never had the opportunity to say “Thank You.” | Of the legacy now left to Union in perpetuity, we can certainly say, “Larry and Anne Hennessey, You Are Union.”