College Removes Donors’ Names After They Make a Big Gift

In a twist on the usual story, the former Albertson College, in Idaho, has erased “Albertson” from its name after receiving a $50-million donation from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, reports The Idaho Statesman.

The college will revert to its original name, The College of Idaho. It had changed its name in 1991 to honor Mr. and Mrs. Albertson, alumni who met at the school and went on to found the eponymous grocery chain.

But other alumni were nostalgic for the old name, and the Albertsons never really felt comfortable with it, says the head of the family’s foundation. So when the foundation gave $50-million this month to aid a $175-million capital campaign, the college decided to change its name back.