Former Secretary Leaves $7-Million to Her Illinois Alma Mater

How much: approximately $7-million bequest

Who gave it: Grace Groner, a former executive secretary for the president at Abbott Laboratories, a health-care company in Abbott Park, Ill. She died in January at age 100.

Who got it: Lake Forest College, in Illinois. Ms. Groner graduated from the college in 1931 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

Purpose: To endow a scholarship foundation that will enable needy students to pursue internships and study-abroad programs. Her home, now called Grace’s Cottage, will house students who receive scholarships fto attend Lake Forest.

How the gift came about: Ms. Groner acquired Abbott company stock over the years and although its worth grew, she continued to live frugally in a small cottage in Lake Forest. Few people were aware of her wealth, although she previously gave $180,000 to the college for scholarships.

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