Margot Durkin ’70 Blends Lifetime and Legacy Gifts to Support Salve

Margot and James Durkin

Margot Durkin ’70 always loved the idea of studying by the ocean. It was in her blood. After both her parents served in the Navy during World War II, her father stayed in the Navy Reserve and studied at the U.S. Naval War College. But the ocean wasn’t the only reason she chose Salve: “Two girls from my high school went to Salve ahead of me,” Margot says, “and three girls from my class went, and I thought it would be a good place for me too.”

Keen to maximize their support for the future of Salve, Margot and her husband of 53 years, James, have chosen to give back in multiple ways. In addition to establishing and funding The Durkin Endowed Fund for the Pell Honors Program, they have made it a point to support a number of initiatives and designated Salve as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. By blending lifetime and legacy gifts, they were able to make a greater philanthropic impact.

“We could give more in this way than we could by just giving cash,” Margot says. “I love Salve and I want to create opportunity for others to love it as well—while encouraging academic excellence.”

At Salve, Margot received outstanding preparation for her career as an educator and learned invaluable leadership skills. She also made lifelong friendships, has attended almost all (and worked on several) reunions, and helped with class fundraising. In 2020, she received an Alumni Achievement Award.

After working as a public school teacher, Margot became a stay-at-home mother to raise her children. After her children were in school, Margot began fundraising for independent schools. She also served as head of school at Browne Academy—a preK-8 independent school. “When you work with kids, directly or raising money to help them, you are really touching the future.”

Margot encourages others to consider the legacy they could leave by supporting future generations of Seahawks. “Supporting Salve is a way to give back for the education you received,” she concludes. “If you value your education and your time there, it is a way you can help others to have a similar or even better experience.”