Gift Planning

A True Trailblazer: Harry H. Lang Jr. ’48

Colgate is one of the rare Division I athletics programs to have a cross-country trail on campus. This distinction is due, in part, to the generosity and foresight of Harry H. Lang Jr. ’48.

Harry Lang grew up in Buffalo, New York, and came to Colgate after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He went on to earn a master’s degree in social work and spent his career at the Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester, providing services to children and families in need for more than four decades.

He was steadfast in his commitment to Colgate over many years, establishing several planned gifts — including ten charitable gift annuities, which benefited Colgate while also providing Lang a steady source of income in return. Blending these gifts further, Lang also pledged to support the cross-country course with a bequest that would endow its support in perpetuity. The course was dedicated in his name the following year.

Today the Harry H. Lang Jr. ’48 Cross Country and Fitness Trail hosts the men’s and women’s varsity cross-country teams, recreational runners, Colgate’s outdoor education programs, and events for the community and alumni.

“As a program, we take much pride in training and competing on the trail because it provides necessary challenges that build stamina while also providing a peaceful training environment for our student-athletes,” says Chelsea France, head coach for men’s and women’s cross country and track & field. “[The trail] is truly a selling point for our program and something we do not take for granted.”

Lang’s bequest intention and gift annuities were realized after his death in 2020. In accordance with his wishes, these gifts created the Endowment for the Harry H. Lang Jr. ’48 Cross Country and Fitness Trail, providing annual support for its “maintenance, care, ongoing beautification, and development.” The bequest also provided for the creation of the Harry H. Lang Jr., Harry and Mildred Lang, and Katherine Swartz Endowed Scholarship Fund.

In so many ways, Colgate students and the broader community will benefit from Lang’s generosity and vision for generations to come.

The discussion herein is general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. Prospective donors are urged to consult their personal tax and financial advisors concerning the specific consequences of making gifts to Colgate. We would be pleased to discuss, in confidence, ways in which you may support Colgate. These measures may also have an impact on your estate planning.