Alleen Thompson ‘40
Alleen Thompson was a Waterville native and graduate of Colby’s Class of 1940. As a student, she joined the Sigma Kappa sorority, the Arts Club, and the International Relations Club; additionally, she served on the Oracle Board and as a Library Associate. Several of Alleen’s family members attended Colby in the 1910s, including her father, Mark R. Thompson ’17.
During World War II, Alleen served as a communications officer in the WAVES initiative; she left the Navy after the war as a full lieutenant.
After her military service, she began a career in libraries, earning a master’s degree in Library Science at Simmons College in Boston and serving as a librarian at public and private institutions. She held leadership roles in the Special Libraries Association and was elected to that organization’s Hall of Fame in 1982.
After retiring, Alleen moved back to Waterville and was actively involved with Colby, including memorable participation in each year’s parade of classes at Reunion Weekend. She was also a strong supporter of Colby’s initiatives, including the Colby Museum of Art and music programs. In 2015, Colby honored Alleen with its annual Brick Award.
Alleen gave creatively via lifetime gifts, matching gifts, estate planning, and charitable gift annuities (a type of gift that pays income to the donor or other recipient). Her generous planned gifts supported the Colby Museum of Art and the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts.
