$10 Million Gift from Jackie Mars ’61 Expands Access to a Bryn Mawr Education
Trustee Emeritus Jacqueline Badger Mars ’61 has generously gifted Bryn Mawr College a $10 million gift to support undergraduate student scholarships.
“This extraordinary gift reflects the deep belief that curiosity and a passion for learning, not financial circumstance, should shape who has access to a Bryn Mawr education,” says President Wendy Cadge. “We are profoundly grateful to Jacquie for her generosity and for honoring President Cassidy’s legacy of expanding opportunity for future Mawrters.”
The gift is named in honor of former Bryn Mawr President Kim Cassidy, who made affordability for students across the economic spectrum a defining priority of her tenure. During Cassidy’s presidency, through many generous programs and initiatives, the College increased its financial aid budget by more than 50 percent.
That commitment to access continues under President Wendy Cadge, who replaced those earlier programs with the new Beacon initiative, announced in fall 2025, which offers free tuition to families with household incomes under $175,000.
Known for her quiet generosity, Mars has consistently focused on impact rather than recognition. She has been a steadfast champion of Bryn Mawr since her days as a student.
Forever grateful for the intellectual experience she found at the College, she has expressed that devotion through decades of service as a trustee, active alumna engagement, and generous philanthropy.
Beyond Bryn Mawr, Mars is the owner and operator of Stonehall Farm, a working farm focused on organic agriculture, horse training, and breeding. She retired from a long and distinguished career at Mars Inc., the company founded by her grandfather, where she served as president of the Food Product Group and as a board member. Today, she is a passionate supporter of the arts, conservation, and women’s education and serves on numerous boards, including the National Archives and the Washington National Opera. She is very involved in local institutions in the Middleburg, VA area.
“As Bryn Mawr continues to expand its commitment to access through initiatives like Beacon, Mrs. Mars’ gift provides powerful momentum,” says Bob Miller, Bryn Mawr’s vice president for alumnae/i relations and development. “By strengthening need-based support for future students, the fund ensures that the College’s promise of opportunity remains as strong for the next generation of Mawrters as it has been for those who came before them.”
“Bryn Mawr has long been a place where talented students thrive,” said Mars. “I hope this gift helps ensure that financial need is never a barrier to that opportunity.”