HLSCC Receives Bequest From Late Veteran
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received a donation of nearly $36,000 from the estate of the late Alfrieda Mae Johnston. Johnston, a United States Navy veteran and former resident of Hodge's Creek, named the college as a beneficiary to support educational opportunities for Virgin Islands students. The funds have been entrusted to the HLSCC Foundation.
Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has received a bequest of $35,916.39 from the estate of the late Alfrieda Mae “Gale” Johnston, a United States Navy veteran and former resident of Hodge's Creek on Tortola. The financial contribution is designated to support educational advancement and opportunities for future generations of Virgin Islands scholars.
Born on 21 June 1922, Johnston served in the United States Navy during the Second World War as both a photographer and recruiter before receiving an honourable discharge in November 1945. Her dedicated military service was officially recognised with the World War II Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal.
She later made the British Virgin Islands her home, where she lived for many years until passing away on 17 November 2018 at the age of 96. Prior to her passing, Johnston designated HLSCC as a beneficiary of an investment account held with LPL Financial. Following the conclusion of the estate settlement process and the satisfaction of standard legal and administrative requirements, five separate holdings were liquidated.
The resulting proceeds of $35,916.39 have now been formally transferred to the institution and entrusted to the HLSCC Foundation for management. Dr Richard Georges, President of HLSCC, expressed deep gratitude for Johnston's philanthropic vision and lasting dedication to the Territory.
He noted that the gift stands as a powerful demonstration of how a legacy of service can continue long after an individual's lifetime. Dr Georges highlighted that Johnston chose to make a substantial investment in the college despite having no direct family connection to the institution.
He affirmed that the college will honour her generosity by using the funds to foster educational access and create lasting opportunities for learners across the British Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI Government