The Philanthropy 50 2009 Gift Profile: Arthur Hodson

Arthur Hodson: $27-million

Biggest beneficiary: Taylor University

Other key beneficiary: Indiana Wesleyan University

Donor’s background: Mr. Hodson was a retired chairman of Upland Bank, which later became Star Financial Bank, now in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a former chemical engineer at Union Carbide’s Cleveland location.

Mr. Hodson, who died in 2007 at 94, left $13.8-million to Taylor University, in Upland, Ind. Mr. Hodson earmarked about $6-million for endowment, through which the money will support scholarships, a professorship in business, and other programs. The remainder will go toward a new science building. Mr. Hodson attended Taylor but graduated from Purdue University in 1936 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.

In addition, Mr. Hodson bequeathed $10.6-million to Indiana Wesleyan University, in Marion, for endowment, and left $2.6-million to White’s Residential & Family Services, a Wabash, Ind., charity that provides housing for children and young adults, as well as foster care and adoption services. The money will go toward endowment.

Mr. Hodson also left money to Upland United Methodist Church and to Upland Friends Church.

The $27-million in charitable bequests account for the bulk of Mr. Hodson’s estate.

—Maria Di Mento

View more profiles of donors who gave the most in 2009.