It isn’t often that UNH Athletics receives a five-figure gift from an annual fund mail appeal—in fact, it’s never happened before. So when a large gift arrived in December from alumna Jayne “Kerry” Eastman Chandler ’84, it caught the attention of Athletics Director Marty Scarano, who called Chandler personally to thank her. Chandler, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, said the reason for her gift was simply that her family was in a position to do something for a place she loved.

What was so special to you about UNH?
Everything! I transferred to UNH after attending several schools. Not long after my arrival, I felt that I was finally where I truly belonged. At UNH, I developed a sense of who I was and who I wanted to be. There is also no doubt that my UNH experience laid the foundation for the commitment to community service that is now an integral part of my everyday life.

What is your particular connection to UNH Athletics?
I was an athletic training major, working primarily with gymnastics, lacrosse, and volleyball. The program was tough, but it was very cool working in the athletic training setting with the athletes.

Is there anything in particular you hope this gift will achieve?
I would like a deserving student to have the same opportunity of a great education and life experience that I had at UNH. I admire college athletes because it takes an enormous amount of talent and discipline to play at the college level while taking on a full academic load. I know that UNH highly values its athletes as students; it's not just about winning on the playing field, and that’s a principle I feel strongly about supporting.

Any future Wildcats in your household?
I can only hope! I have two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. I coach my daughter’s lacrosse team, and my son loves his baseball and football. I figure there's plenty of time to teach both of them the UNH fight song - if there is one! My husband went to the other Durham school—Duke—but he’s a fan of UNH, and it’s really because of his generosity, kind spirit, and a lot of hard work that we were able to give this gift.