Officials at Paul Smiths College have decided not to challenge a judge’s decision preventing the college from changing its name.
Joan and Sandy Weill had planned to donate $20 million dollars to the college north of Saranac Lake on condition that it be renamed Joan Weill-Paul Smith’s College.
A state Supreme Court judge determined that would violate the terms of the will that created the college.
College President Cathy Dove says the Board of Trustees, administration and the Weil’s decided not to appeal. “A long legal process would not be in the best interest of the campus community.”
An anonymous donor will match up to $5 million in donations through 2019.