Robert F. Hastings and his wife, Mary, recently pledged a gift of $1 million to Aquinas Institute in Rochester.
According to Aquinas, the gift will be spread out over 10 years, and will be used to “expedite capital expansion, renovate the main building of the school and increase the endowment fund to assist students in need of financial assistance.”
A 1949 graduate of Aquinas, Robert Hastings is the founder and former owner of Bob Hastings Automotive Group, and he credited Aquinas for his success because “the emphasis on discipline at Aquinas helped me to be focused and goal-oriented.”
The Hastings have also supported the school’s fine-arts program, and when Aquinas opens its Fine Arts Center this fall, a theater and multipurpose performance area will be named in their honor.
“Children learn best in a nurturing environment where values and successful behavior are consistently modeled,” Mary Hastings, a 20-year veteran of elementary-school teaching, said. “We are committed to supporting efforts which provide such important opportunities for young people.”
Aquinas President Michael R. Daley said he hopes that the Hastings’ generosity will inspire other Aquinas alumni to assist the school.
“Aquinas is where it is today because people like Bob and Mary Hastings are willing to provide such wonderful opportunities for our students, and we are so grateful for all that they have done for the school,” he said.
