Norman “Sandy” McCulloch (1926-2020)
Norman “Sandy” McCulloch Jr., benefactor of Mount Holyoke College, died on July 26, 2020, at the age of 94.
Norman “Sandy” McCulloch Jr., who, with his wife, Dorothy “Dotty” McCulloch ’50, championed global studies at Mount Holyoke College, died on Sunday, July 26, at the age of 94.
The McCullochs’ numerous contributions to Mount Holyoke reflected their commitment to global exploration and education. They created endowed funds to support scholarships, study abroad and faculty chairs in romance languages and mathematics. Their commitment to global education was realized with the establishment of the Dorothy R. and Norman E. McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives in 2004.
The McCullochs’ philanthropy went well beyond financial gifts to the College. Sandy’s open spirit and immense passion for travel, adventure and education touched everyone he came into contact with.
“I am in great sadness and in mourning,” said President Sonya Stephens. “I, and his many friends at Mount Holyoke, will always remember Sandy as a beloved and generous friend, a witty and insightful partner in endeavors great and small, and as a devoted husband. Sandy was a man of great charm, warmth and generosity. His brilliance was in evidence at all times, and found its match in Dotty. Their life together — full of adventure, discovery, commitment and philanthropic impact — and all that they made possible for others are an inspiration to us all.”
Sandy McCulloch was chairman of Microfibres, Inc., a textile business in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He served on the board of trustees of Dartmouth College, his alma mater, from 1975 to 1988, the final three years as chair. McCulloch served as the inaugural chair of the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding Board of Visitors, a post he held for 31 years, and he remained active on the board as chair emeritus.
“Sandy and Dotty McCulloch's vision for global education, passion for intellectual inquiry, and dedication to the liberal arts inspire and guide the work of the McCulloch Center,” said Kavita Khory, director of the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives and professor of politics. “Our mission to educate Mount Holyoke students for global citizenship is more urgent than ever. The Center's rich curricular programming, study abroad opportunities and international internships are a living legacy of Sandy and Dotty's enduring commitment to the College and its place in the world.”
McCulloch met Dotty when she was on a Mount Holyoke study year abroad in France. They were together for more than 70 years.