Trail Blazers

As avid hikers, Martha and John Zocchi '49, '56G know that choosing the right path can make all the difference in life.

"There have been many times when the quality of our education and knowledge played a critical role in our lives," says John. "Once, when Martha was hiking on Mount Washington, a sudden, severe squall caused her to lose her way. Although she was in danger, her years of experience navigating difficult terrain gave her the tools she needed, and she found her way to safety. My years as an engineering and business student gave me the tools I needed to design and build essential machinery that was instrumental to the success of my engineering polymers business.

"My University education paved the way for many wonderful things in my life," he says. "So, in honor of my 50th reunion, we felt that the time was right to make a significant gift to the University—one that would benefit engineering students who are just beginning to blaze their own trails. By naming the UNH Foundation the owner and beneficiary of a new life insurance policy, we were able to add to the John B. and Martha M.W. Zocchi Endowed Fund that we had established previously. This fund supports CEPS New Hampshire and New England students at the graduate and undergraduate levels who demonstrate academic merit and financial need. It is good to know that our estate plans will help provide secure footing for future UNH students as they set out on their own chosen career paths."