Established in August 2004 by Dorothy Pontious ’35 to honor her parents, the income of this endowment will fund the salary of a distinguished professor at Chatham University. The appointment of the faculty member and the field of concentration will be determined by University administration on a bi-annual basis; however, an appointment may be extended when in the best interest of the institution.  However, it is not intended that the chair will be used for a faculty member in perpetuity and the Vice President of Academic Affairs will conduct an annual evaluation of the chair holder's performance.

When asked why it was important to her to give to the faculty endowment, Anne remarked, “My decision to give part of my Campaign gift to the faculty endowment came from the realization that not enough has been done for faculty development throughout the years. I believe that the success of Chatham University demands that we continue to attract and maintain a strong and loyal faculty. I hope that other Chatham alumnae will join me in supporting excellent present and future faculty.”

Joanne, a Chatham University Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair decided to endow faculty development efforts because she believes, “the faculty is one of the College’s greatest assets,” (The Vision, 2001).

Christine Fiedler O’Connor ’78 also believes strongly in supporting faculty as a means for strengthening the College, “Professors like Don Adam and others made my Chatham education tremendously challenging and valuable. Tom and I hope that endowed funds like this one will help the College continue to attract great teachers and provide them with the resources to remain the best in their fields.”