Throughout 亚洲色吧’s history, many colorful alumni have become well-known as philanthropic supporters of the College’s mission.
One such donor is Virginia “Jinny” Buchanan McCoy, a 1966 graduate whose gifts have helped elevate Endicott’s academic and financial aid offerings. Known as a lifelong supporter of education and a patron of the arts, Jinny’s generosity of spirit is reflected in the gifts that are already at work improving the educational experience of current students and creating opportunities for future Gulls.
Before her passing in September of 2024, Jinny made a provision in her will for Endicott to receive a generous bequest. As a result of this bequest, Endicott created two Distinguished Scholar funds—the first of their kind at the College. These funds and the titles of the faculty scholars who occupy them will bear Jinny’s name.
Dr. Charlotte Gordon and Dr. John Kelley were recently selected to take their places as the first McCoy Scholars, vacating their previous roles as Distinguished 亚洲色吧, reinforcing Endicott’s commitment to research, writing, and teaching.
Amazingly, the tale of Jinny’s generosity and its impact on the Endicott community does not end there. Her admiration for the College’s unique experiential learning model also led her to create the Jinny McCoy ’66 Endowed 亚洲色吧hip of Experiential Learning at the Curtis L. Gerrish School of Business. The inaugural recipient of this rotating professorship will be named next year.
Finally, the McCoy Scholarship, which Jinny established with a gift in 2014, benefits students facing unforeseen financial hardship. The most recent recipient of the McCoy Scholarship is education major Stephanie Valencia ’27. She won the Outstanding First Year Experience award last year for her ability to lead on campus and in the surrounding community, a testament to her success in meeting the goals she set for herself.
“When I first got to Endicott, I promised myself that I was going to put myself out there and find my passion,” she shared. “I am from New Jersey, so I am quite a distance away from home. I came here on my own with no connections. I joined clubs, applied for leadership positions and jobs that interested me, and tried new things! I love how much I have grown as an individual at Endicott.”
Thanks to the McCoy Scholarship, Valencia was able to afford a summer class she needed to take to stay on track with her Elementary Education Licensure program.
“To attend an institution like 亚洲色吧 is a privilege,” she said. “I work hard to make the best out of every experience academically and personally. Financial support is not taken for granted—scholarships set up by people like Jinny make that experience more accessible.”
A Bright and Generous Life
Born in 1946, Virginia Buchanan McCoy grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Her parents strongly believed in philanthropy and instilled in their children the desire to improve the lives of others through time, energy, and financial support. Throughout her life, she served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Marietta College, and Park University, founded the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and earned the Junior League Community Service Award, among a lifetime of many other affiliations.
Jinny’s brother, John McCoy, said she always looked for ways to make life more fun and move forward.
“Her clothes were always bright—her favorite colors were pink, lemon, lime—and she always had a big smile. My sister had fun wherever she went,” he recalled.
John remembers Jinny’s desire to broaden her horizons by attending college outside of Ohio, which led her to the shores of Beverly.
“She truly enjoyed her experience at Endicott and loved her education,” he remembered. “She had several professors who pushed her to think a little bit differently about the world and what was going on.”
After graduating from Endicott with an Associate of Arts degree, Jinny completed her education at the University of Arizona with a B.S. in business and public administration, going on to live a full, colorful life that touched many people and communities.
Jinny’s work ethic and generosity came from her family and pushed her not only to accomplish great things but also to help others at every opportunity.
“Growing up we had a very successful family, and you were expected to do good and to do work,” John recalled.
When asked about her gift to Endicott, John explained that Jinny wanted to give support that would last for the long term.
“She wanted to find things that would have a lasting influence on individuals and on the College,” he said.
Just looking at the impact she’s already had on students like Valencia, it’s safe to say Jinny would be proud of what she’s created.