Gift Planning

A Special Place in Their Hearts: Bob Como ’75 and Robin Goldin ’75 Como

Bob Como ’75 and Robin Goldin ’75 Como are one of the earliest Colgate couples, and the University has always held a special place in their hearts. Many years ago they included Colgate as a beneficiary in their wills. But as they approached their 50th Reunion and reflected on the impact that their alma mater has had on their lives, they decided to increase their gift. Once they shared their plans with Colgate, their gift was counted toward their reunion class gift total and the Campaign for the Third Century.

It was an easy decision — Colgate was the foundation for their successful careers, strong friendships, and their love story. They were particularly drawn to Colgate’s financial aid initiative, the Colgate Commitment, because of the financial aid Bob received from Colgate as a student. “It’s extraordinarily difficult for families to pay for an education,” says Bob. “Providing aid to certain families for qualified students to attend Colgate with little or no expense is something that we support.”

Bob Como and Robin Goldin met at a party in West Hall as first years, introduced by mutual friend Peter Beucher ’75. Bob was recruited as a football player from Connecticut. Robin, hailing from the Bronx, was part of the second class of women admitted to Colgate. They both majored in English — Robin also majored in education and minored in philosophy and religion. Memorable instructors for the pair included Jerome Balmuth, M. Holmes (Steve) Hartshorne, John Selwyn Morris, Joseph Slater ’37, and Robert Blackmore ’41. Bob attended the London Study Group during the spring of his junior year with professor Frederick Busch.

After graduation they both worked in New York City (Bob for Chemical Bank and later JPMorgan Chase and Robin at Xerox), remaining with their companies until their retirement. Now empty nesters, they enjoy traveling, visiting their two sons, and maintaining their Colgate friendships. Bob and Robin encourage fellow alumni to remember what they loved about their time in Hamilton and use that for inspiration to give back. “At Colgate you meet people you can spend the rest of your life with,” says Bob.

Robin agrees. “Without Colgate, there would be no us.”

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.