Curt ’56 and Pat ’57 Hege have made an imprint with their philanthropy at Guilford College and in the wider community for more than 50 years. On Nov. 25, they were honored for their generosity by area fundraising professionals.

They were recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists-Greensboro by the Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day at Grandover Resort.

In addition, Barb Leland ’74, a passionate supporter of the College, was named Greensboro’s outstanding volunteer fundraiser by Triad AFP.

Curt and Pat, who met as students at the College in the 1950s, have contributed to many Guilford projects, most notably major upgrades to its library, which is named for the couple. A former student-athlete and later board chair, Curt often credits his academic success to hours spent studying in the library.

In 2015, Curt and Pat funded the creation of the Teaching, Learning and Research Collaboratory on the library's second floor with a major in-kind donation from their company, Shields Inc.

Their contributions position them as the library's largest benefactors, providing over $3 million to enhance it as a dynamic hub for research, learning and collaboration.

Also, they have funded development of art facilities, including Hege-Cox Hall, and have long been supporters of intercollegiate athletics.

Their dedication extends beyond infrastructure. In 2015, Curt and Pat established research awards for exemplary senior theses, promoting academic excellence and intellectual exploration.

With three generations of their family graduating from Guilford, the couples’ commitment is personal and deeply rooted in their belief in lifelong learning.

Curt said their reasons for giving are simple. “It makes us feel good,” he said. “We have so many friends we still keep in touch with who we met at Guilford. It’s a special place for us and we want to see it continue for others.”

In addition to her financial support, Barb is a constant presence on campus as a volunteer. She volunteers at Commencement and Admission events and with the Advancement Office, lending her time and talents wherever needed.

Barb was genuinely surprised at her award. “I’m honored because I know there are so many other hard-working volunteers at Guilford,” she said. “This is such a wonderful surprise.”

Guilfordians have been honored regularly by Triad AFP. Last year, Charlie and the late Mary Kirkman Routh ’45 received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Toiya Hancock ’93 and the Black Alumni of Guilford College received the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Award for Greensboro.

In 2019, John Googe ’50 received the Lifetime Achievement Award.