Read more about the generosity of Professor Ann Gardiner and the house in Thailand dedicated in her honor. 

Professor Ann Gardiner will forever remain in the hearts of those she met and helped when she accompanied former Dean Leslie Guggiari in October 2016 on one of several past FUS Academic Travels to Thailand. The Academic Travel to Thailand was in partnership with the Sainam Foundation, a Ticinese nonprofit organization that helps provide educational scholarships, sustainable development assistance, and medical care for the most disadvantaged people living in areas of North Eastern Thailand. For two weeks annually, Franklin students were primarily engaged in helping to build houses for families, organic farming, and teaching English. During five Academic Travels to Thailand, our students helped construct approximately 20 out of the 40 houses built by the Sainam Foundation to date. Professor Gardiner was deeply moved by Franklin students’ dedication and commitment to sustainably improving the lives of the community during that trip. She also helped with and was very touched by the Foundation’s CARE Program, which distributes food and other necessities monthly to up to forty families on an emergency basis. Upon returning to Lugano, Professor Gardiner expressed a wish to make a donation to help the Foundation build a house for an underserved family. Remembering her wish, Guggiari, a board member of the Sainam Foundation, recently dedicated one of those houses in Professor Gardiner’s honor. Thanks to her and the Sainam Foundation’s generosity, Professor Gardiner and her kind and caring spirit will be forever remembered as part of the Sainam community. 

Professor Gardiner and her generosity, both at Franklin and beyond, are deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known her. Her commitment to helping every Franklin student she met will always be remembered. We continue to honor her legacy of caring for others with the Ann Gardiner Fund, which has been established to assist Franklin students who are facing unforeseen economic hardships, particularly during this difficult time. If you would like to contribute to the Ann Gardiner Fund, please click here or contact the Office of Advancement.