Lorraine Coyle Establishes Bequest to Help Future Students Achieve Their Dreams

Lorraine Coyle, ’72, lived just three blocks from Queens College when deciding where to attend college, but for her there was really no decision at all—it was Queens College all the way.  

“I did not consider going anywhere else.” 

Now, in appreciation of the life-changing education she received, Lorraine has established a bequest in her will to support the College far into the future. 

“Queens College was the steppingstone to a great career in law,” Lorraine says, adding that her bequest will create a scholarship to specifically benefit students who hold down jobs while attending classes at night.

A true Queens College success story, Lorraine had this to say about her experience as a student and how her personal life and career were ultimately shaped by the knowledge she gained and the connections she made:  

“One of the seminal moments in my career was obtaining a baccalaureate at Queens College. I was a night student, and it was a six-year slog, but graduation day was one of the most exciting days of my life. Gloria Steinem was the speaker, and it was a blossoming time in the women’s equality movement. We have come a long way but still have way more to go.    

“After college, I started as a secretary to my professor, Alan Hevesi, and then a legislative aide in the State Senate where I met my husband, Oliver Koppell, who was then an assemblyman. My life has been so much better having gone to Queens. It has been a linear path from Queens College to meeting my husband and going to law school to private practice—all because of Queens College.    

“I owe a lot to QC, and I believe in helping future generations of students. Each year I make a substantial contribution and, of course, have included Queens College in my estate plan. It’s the least I can do. Thank you, Queens College.”