Hilma Carter '45

Throughout her life, which has been rich with an abundance of wonderful experiences in education and the arts, Hilma Carter '45 made a genuine, profound impact on both of her alma maters—Barnard College and Columbia University.

For many years, Hilma taught Spanish, served as board president of a multilingual theater in Hollywood, and enjoyed an active partnership in the career of her husband—legendary, late jazz musician Benny Carter. During this time, Hilma was instrumental in making the Barnard College Club of Los Angeles one of the College's most active and productive regional clubs. As the club's long-time treasurer, Hilma advocated for philanthropic support of Barnard, instilled loyalty to the College among young graduates, and became great friends with Barnard alumnae across generations, many of whom she corresponds with to this day. In 2000, her efforts culminated in the establishment of a scholarship fund for undergraduates from Southern California, and in 2001, she was awarded the Columbia Alumni Medal for her years of exceptional service and commitment to the University.

Hilma considers her time at Barnard the best thing that happened in her life. She found a home that suited her perfectly, and enhanced her personal and professional life. A Barnard degree meant that you were a very well-prepared, superior student, and an ideal job candidate.

Hilma was raised on a small, isolated dairy farm in Connecticut by her parents, who were Finnish immigrants. In the early years of her education, she attended a one-room schoolhouse with 20 other students. Fortunately, she skipped two grades and, at age 12, she entered a high school with a good library. Hilma was the first in her family to attend college and found Barnard a remarkable place.

Community support and giving back are values deeply engrained in Finnish tradition, and Hilma upheld this tradition throughout her life. Over time, she increased her donations to the College and made sure to stay informed about the thoughtful, smart ways to make a difference and give back. Hilma established several gifts at Barnard that have provided her with income during her lifetime. These contributions give her an immense feeling of satisfaction, as she knows that the remaining portions will be used to support Barnard when she passes. Hilma's first such gift was a pooled income gift and as a result of this contribution, she receives income for her lifetime and a charitable tax deduction. She then made several charitable gift annuities at Barnard, which have provided her with fixed income payments, and qualified her for charitable tax deductions in the years they were established.

Through both stable and turbulent economic times, Hilma remains confident in Barnard's charitable gift annuity program and knows her payments are assured and backed by the College's assets. In 2015, she created a charitable remainder unitrust and made a gift in her will to Barnard. Managed by the College as the trustee, the trust provides her with more flexibility, has grown over time, and has allowed her to add to it. Upon her passing, the remaining portion of this trust, as well as the gift in her will, will go to the Hilma Ollila Carter and Benny Carter Scholarship Fund that she endowed in 2012. Hilma is gratified to know that she is leaving a lasting legacy at such a special place.

Hilma's philanthropic goals and support of Barnard are rooted in her desire to help students like her, who had to work while attending college. She strongly believes that women should help women, and has exemplified this sentiment throughout her life.