Patricia and Leonard Hultgren '59

Fordham University is grateful to have received a remarkable $2.7 million gift for unrestricted support from the estate of John Leonard “Len” Hultgren ’59 and his wife, Patricia “Pat” Hultgren. This gift is notable not only in size but also because it is unrestricted—meaning that Fordham may direct it to areas with the greatest need. The contribution reflects a vote of confidence in Fordham’s mission and its students and in practice will significantly bolster financial aid, faculty support, research, and other essential University priorities.

Like their unrestricted gift, Len and Pat built a boundless life for themselves. According to Pat’s niece, Pam Collins, the couple met while both were working at Lever Brothers in New York City. Pat, who worked as a product merchandising assistant, left the firm in 1967, while Len moved into advertising, first as an account executive at Papert Koenig Lois, where he helped develop campaigns for major clients like Xerox. He would then go on to co-found the acclaimed New York advertising agency Scali, McCabe, Sloves, which became known for award-winning work with brands such as Volvo and Hebrew National.

The couple married in 1964 and remained inseparable throughout their lives. Together, Len and Pat shared a full and adventurous life spanning New York City, Pennsylvania, California, and eventually Florida. In addition to their apartment on Park Avenue, the two restored a historic 300-year-old farmhouse in Pennsylvania, complete with sprawling land, a tennis court, and a guest house; this magical space would be remembered as a cherished retreat for family gatherings.

Len and Pat’s curiosity and love of exploration led them to travel widely across the globe, invest in their own winery in Sonoma Valley, California (aptly named Hultgren & Samperton Winery), and even purchase and restore a tugboat during their retirement in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Avid readers, the couple maintained an extensive personal library and enjoyed completing their daily New York Times crossword puzzle.

Though they had no children of their own, family meant everything to the Hultgrens. The family recalls joyful memories of visiting them in Manhattan to see Broadway shows, spending holidays together—often Thanksgiving hosted by Pat with her delicious roast turkey—and staying at their Pennsylvania home for vacations. Pat adored cats and could often be found playing the piano or decorating their home with impeccable style, while Len was known for his humor, sharp focus, and visionary mindset. Those who knew Len and Pat saw the generosity, warmth, intelligence, and sense of adventure that defined their life together.

This gift serves as a lasting testament to their values and will immediately contribute to need-based scholarships, helping ensure that a Fordham education remains accessible to talented students regardless of financial circumstance, support innovative faculty research, and strengthen the University’s ability to address emerging needs.

Please consider joining the 1841 Society by including Fordham in your estate plan. We would be happy to work with you to create an estate gift like Len and Pat’s, providing both current and long-term support to an initiative of your choice.

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