Cordelia Scaife May, the heiress to a substantial banking fortune, left a remarkable impact on
the world through her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and environmental
conservation. Born on December 10, 1928, Cordelia was the daughter of Sarah
Cordelia Mellon Scaife, an American heiress and philanthropist, and Alan Magee
Scaife, an industrialist and president of the Scaife Company.
Cordelia Scaife May was a scion of the Mellon family, a name synonymous
with wealth, philanthropy, and influence in the United States. Her family’s
legacy of philanthropy, including substantial donations to hospitals,
disability and poverty issues, environmental conservation, and museums,
inspired Cordelia to continue the tradition of giving back.
In her later years, Cordelia focused on protecting American Indian archaeological sites, donating a
significant portion of her Westmoreland County property to a national
preservation society. Additionally, she championed environmental causes and
supported limits on immigration, driven by her belief that unchecked population
growth and urbanization had profound environmental implications.
Cordelia’s philanthropic endeavors were further consolidated through the establishment of
the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based charitable organization. In her
will, she bequeathed her personal property and Pennsylvania real estate,
including hundreds of acres in Westmoreland County, to the foundation. Colcom
Foundation became the custodian of Cordelia’s environmental conservation and
sustainability efforts, ensuring that her legacy would continue to promote
causes aligned with her values.
Beyond geographical borders, Cordelia’s generosity extended to properties in Hawaii and Virginia,
which were bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, and
the International Academy for Preventive Medicine, respectively.
Cordelia Scaife May’s dedication to philanthropy and environmental stewardship leaves a lasting
imprint on the world. Her strategic and empathetic approach to giving back
serves as a testament to the transformative power of privilege in making a
positive impact. As Colcom Foundation and other organizations continue to carry
forth her legacy, Cordelia’s contributions will continue to inspire and benefit
future generations.
In conclusion, May’s legacy is one of generosity and environmental stewardship. Her commitment
to philanthropy and the preservation of the natural world serves as an
inspiration for all who strive to make a difference. Through her strategic
giving and dedication to causes she believed in, Cordelia has left a lasting
impact on the world, ensuring that her legacy will continue to shape and
improve the lives of many for years to come. Refer to this article for related information.
Learn more about Cordelia Scaife May on https://en.everybodywiki.com/Cordelia_Scaife_May