The Charles Martin Hall Society

Charles Martin Hall Society

A year after his 1885 graduation from Oberlin, Charles Martin Hall (1863-1914) developed a process for producing aluminum efficiently. This scientific advance led to the creation of the Aluminum Company of America (later ALCOA) and made Hall a very successful man. He left his alma mater a $10 million bequest — to date still the largest gift in the College's history. This supremely generous gift preserved Tappan Square, built Hall Auditorium, and substantially increased the College's endowment.

We honor Mr. Hall's philanthropy through the Charles Martin Hall Society, which all planned gift donors are invited to join. There are more than 1,000 such benefactors today.

There are many ways to establish a planned gift. You can:

  • include the College in your will or trust;
  • name Oberlin as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy, or designate it as the successor in interest of your DAF or financial account;
  • establish a life income gift such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable reminder trust

Our staff can help you consider these and other options.

Members of the Charles Martin Hall Society are deeply appreciated by the College, and are recognized through a welcome gift; invitations to special stewardship events for planned gift donors; and inclusion in our donor rolls.

Most importantly, Society members are key partners in maintaining Oberlin's educational excellence for upcoming generations of students.

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Free Estate Planning Tool

Join fellow Oberlin supporters on Giving Docs, a safe, secure and free-for-life suite of estate plan essentials. If you choose to include Oberlin in your estate plans, you'll be eligible for legacy society benefits!

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