An enterprise as varied and far-reaching as the University requires support from many quarters, in ways both large and small. Princeton’s loyal alumni continue to meet this need with generosity and creativity.

Take, for example, two recent gifts dedicated to scientific teaching and research.

Promising student scientists were able to hear talks by four neuroscience experts through a fund established by John A. Allison ’72 and his wife, Raluca, to support colloquia, seminars, and other programs that foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas in the field of neuroscience. Topics have ranged from dendritic computation, a process that explores how neurons work, discussed by Michael Häusser of University College London, to neuronal learning, presented by Haim Sompolinsky of Hebrew University and Harvard’s Center for Brain Science.

A second fund to promote neuroscience discourse, supported by Margaret Bellamy Langfitt ’83, has hosted Fernando Nottebohm of Rockefeller University, whose research pioneered the study of how songbirds learn their species’ specific song. His work on brain circuits and neuronal learning may help scientists better understand the human brain.

Other gifts promote work on the Princeton campus: James M. Shapiro ’80 made possible an undergraduate research fund in neuroscience, and Laurence C. Morse *80 and his wife, Pamela, supported a graduate fellowship for interdisciplinary efforts in African American studies and subjects such as politics, religion, anthropology, and history.

Then there are gifts that support the spirit of Princeton in unusual—and symbolic—ways. Thanks to the generosity of Christy E. and William N. Neidig ’70, the historically significant frame gracing Charles Willson Peale’s portrait of George Washington at the Battle of Princeton (pictured above) is being restored. The frame, one of the University’s most cherished artifacts, hung in Nassau Hall during the actual battle, when it held a portrait of Britain’s King George II. American artillery blasted a hole through that painting, and Peale’s painting of Washington replaced it—a symbolic salute to the new nation. Peale’s portrait, an icon of American art, was paid for with funds given to Princeton by the first president himself, possibly as a reparatory gesture for the damage Nassau Hall sustained in the historic battle.

As Washington’s portrait saluted a new future, the Neidig gift for the frame’s restoration salutes Princeton’s future—as do all gifts to the Aspire campaign.

May 2009