The Carol & James Kasper Fund

People who knew Carol Kasper will tell you that she was a "warm, generous, loving person who cared more for others than herself." She was also a skilled development professional and published author and playwright.

In 2009, at only 45, Carol passed away from colon cancer, leaving friends and family both with a tremendous sense of loss and a great appreciation for knowing her. Carrying out her wishes, her husband Jim established a fund that same year to support educational efforts in science, the environment and the arts – all disciplines with which Carol had an affinity.

At varying times, Carol held positions in a variety of businesses in the scientific and publishing fields, including The Maritime Aquarium, The Taunton Press, Inc., Bayer HealthCare and Schooner Inc. She also volunteered at the Beardsley Zoo and her local church. It is her work at Schooner for which former Executive Director, Kristen Andrews, is most grateful:

"Carol started at Schooner as our Director of Programs. Later, she became a member of our Board and was the creative mastermind behind our annual Wine Gala. She then returned to the Schooner Inc. staff as the Director of Development and was also the driving force behind our recently completed strategic plan. We are a much stronger institution because of her efforts. We are re-focused on our purpose – to promote environmental awareness and personal growth through marine science, sailing and the history of the New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound."

As a direct result of Carol's vision, Schooner Inc.

created CT Coastal Classrooms - the umbrella for all programs that deal with environmental education - and piloted a program in a hands-on environment that supports Connecticut's science requirement for public school children in 6th grade.

Though a Maryland native, Carol grew to love Greater New Haven over the 16 years she and her husband lived here. There may be no greater evidence of that love than her desire to establish a permanent source of support for the region.