Betty Jane and Arthur Goold

The gift is being used to support the renovation of Allen Hall. "Arthur Goold’s gift in his wife’s memory will help us transform Allen Hall and serve generations of journalism and communication majors," said Dean Tim Gleason.

After graduation from the SOJC, Goold studied at Scarritt College in Nashville, Tenn., where she earned a degree in Christian education. She then moved to New York City, where she was an editorial assistant for the Women’s Division of the Methodist Church.

Betty Jane married the Rev. Arthur T. Goold in 1949. Over the 50 years of their marriage, they served parishes throughout South Dakota and Minnesota, where she also worked as a school teacher.

She volunteered with organizations such as Church Women, the Northfield Community Action Center Food Shelf, the Northfield branch of the American Association of University Women, and was the editor of The Minnesota Genealogist for 11 years. Goold, who was an ordained Methodist minister, died in December of 1999 at the age of 81.

"I often say that a journalism degree prepares students for success in any career," said Dean Tim Gleason. "Goold’s life of service to her family, her church and her community is a wonderful example of this."