Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

November 23, 2021

Former CT state treasurer, private equity exec Borges, family donate $10M to Trinity College

HBJ Photo | Greg Bordonaro Trinity College’s Hartford campus.
By Michael Puffer

Trinity College will rename its admissions center to honor an immigrant couple whose children – including a former Connecticut state treasurer – have donated $10 million for scholarships.

The Manuel and Maria Luisa Lopes Borges Admission Center will be the first stop for students visiting the college's campus in Hartford. The couple immigrated to the United States from Cape Verde in 1958 with their firstborn son, Francisco L. Borges.

That son, a 1974 Trinity graduate, served as Connecticut state treasurer from 1987 to 1993. He also served as a trustee of his alma mater and was chairman and managing partner of Simsbury-based private equity firm Landmark Partners, before the company was sold earlier this year to Ares Management Corp.

Francisco L. Borges, his wife Luisa, and four siblings, Peter L. Borges, Francesca Borges Gordon, Maria Borges Correia, and Joaquina Borges King made the donation collectively. Peter, Francesca and Maria are also Trinity graduates.

Manuel and Maria Lopes raised their children to value hard work and education.

After Manuel Borges died in 1971, Maria Borges raised their five children in New Haven as a single mother. She continually pushed her children to succeed, while also stressing the value of giving back. Maria Borges volunteered at a homeless shelter. She also helped other immigrants find employment and housing.

“Our mother taught my siblings and me the value of hard work and the importance of community,” Francisco Borges said. “For all of us making these gifts, we hope that all Trinity College students will feel the encouragement that my mother provided to us and so many others.”

With the Borges’ gift, Trinity has raised nearly half of its $100 million fundraising target in an ongoing campaign to raise scholarship funds.

Trinity President Joanne Berger-Sweeney described the gift as a turning point in the college’s ability to recruit and support outstanding students.
 
“With this beautiful act of family generosity, the Borges family has dramatically affirmed our commitment to access and sent a powerful message of opportunity to students from all areas,” Berger-Sweeney said.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

Related Content

Thumbnail Hom-Diamond named VP of strategic marketing and communications at Trinity College
Trinity College President Berger-Sweeney navigates liberal arts school through historic challenges
28: Joanne Berger-Sweeney
Thumbnail Movers & Shakers: Cardenas promoted to 'acting' position at Trinity College

0 Comments

Order a PDF