F&M Stories

Ann B. Barshinger W’43, Franklin & Marshall College’s most generous benefactor, who set a shining example of service throughout central Pennsylvania, died July 21 at Willow Valley Communities in Willow Street, Pa. She was 100.

Barshinger’s remarkable generosity included $11.5 million in gifts to support planning and construction of Franklin & Marshall’s Ann & Richard Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building, and with her late husband, the lead gift to create the Barshinger Center for Musical Arts. Both projects were the direct result of her wish that F&M students have the best possible facilities in which to learn and perform.

In addition, the Ann Boyd Barshinger Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial aid to local students who could not otherwise afford to attend F&M. The scholarship has helped transform the lives of some of central Pennsylvania’s best and brightest young people.

“Mrs. Barshinger was a steadfast and inspiring advocate for Franklin & Marshall College and its students. Her warmth, affinity for young people, and the twinkle in her eye will stay with me always.”

— F&M President Barbara K. Altmann

The College awarded Barshinger an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Commencement in May 2010.

“I like to be able to contribute to the present and the future of Franklin & Marshall,” Barshinger said when she established the scholarship fund in 2010. “It is a very enriching experience to know that, in giving to financial aid, I’m helping support the future of talented young students, who are our neighbors and friends, and also securing the future success of this fine institution.”

The reach of Mrs. Barshinger’s philanthropy extends throughout central Pennsylvania. She supports community organizations in her longtime home of Red Lion, Pa., and has been a benefactor to a variety of Lancaster County organizations.

“Mrs. Barshinger was a steadfast and inspiring advocate for Franklin & Marshall College and its students,” said F&M President Barbara K. Altmann. “Her warmth, affinity for young people, and the twinkle in her eye will stay with me always. And of course, her truly selfless philanthropy will continue to improve lives — at F&M and throughout Pennsylvania — for generations to come.”

Barshinger was the namesake donor to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, part of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, which opened in 2013 in East Hempfield Township. She also was a generous supporter and tireless advocate for the Welsh Mountain Medical and Dental Center, which provides medical and dental care at reduced rates or entirely free for some of Lancaster County’s most needy residents. She visited the clinic on a regular basis, taking a personal interest in those who benefit from its care.

She also championed the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center, a nonprofit organization that strives to educate and inspire people of all ages to make healthy choices and serves all of south central Pennsylvania. Among the other organizations that benefit from her support are the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Theological Seminary.

At F&M, Barshinger also backed the creation of an ecumenical College chaplain position, a vital spiritual resource for the campus community.