Doris Fischer Malesardi S'45 to Receive Honorary Degree from Bucknell University

Bucknell University will honor Doris Fischer Malesardi S'45 with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the University's 175th Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2025, in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to the institution.

Doris has helped advance the University's mission, providing philanthropic leadership that has transformed Bucknell's financial aid program and expanded access to higher education for students of all backgrounds.

Together with her late husband, Robert Malesardi '45, P'75, P'79, P'87, G'08, she has contributed more than $30 million to support financial aid at Bucknell — an investment that generated matching funds totaling more than $75 million for the University's endowment, securing scholarships for generations of Bucknellians to come.

"I was absolutely amazed and thrilled when I learned about this honor," Doris says. "Bucknell became such a meaningful part of my life through Bob, who always spoke so passionately about the University and what it meant to him. Supporting students and expanding access to a Bucknell education has been at the heart of everything we wanted to do."

Bob Malesardi, who served as a Bucknell trustee from 1972 through 1988, was a generous benefactor whose gifts supported scholarships, the Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library and campus facilities. In recognition of his philanthropy, the University named one of its Gateway Residence Center buildings Malesardi Hall in 1988.

Bob's impact continued in 2016 with a historic $20 million pledge to support a financial-aid endowment, then the largest pledge in Bucknell's history. Building on their legacy, the Malesardis established the Malesardi Match, a program matching gifts of $100,000 or more to new or existing endowed scholarships with an additional $50,000, further amplifying their impact. Commencement holds particular meaning for Doris as it takes place on Malesardi Quadrangle — named in 2016 in honor of the couple's transformative generosity.

"Bob treasured his experience at Bucknell because of the people and the community," Doris said. "The Quad is the heart of student life, a gathering place for moments big and small. Having our name connected to a space that brings people together means so much to me."

The new Malesardi Arts & Sciences Merit Scholars Program, one of Bucknell's most prestigious scholarships, stands as the latest recognition of her generosity to the institution. Providing $40,000 annually to student recipients in the College of Arts & Sciences, the program fosters academic curiosity, exploration and leadership both in and out of the classroom.

"Doris Malesardi's generosity has left an indelible mark on Bucknell University," says Bucknell President John Bravman. "Her commitment to expanding opportunity for students and advancing our mission reflects the very best of what it means to be part of the Bucknell community. It's a privilege to recognize her remarkable impact with this honorary degree."

In addition to her philanthropic leadership, Doris serves on the Bucknell President's Advisory Council, a volunteer advisory group of Bucknell supporters that offers strategic guidance to the University. Her leadership extends beyond Bucknell, with a record of service in civic, cultural and educational organizations.

A trustee of her alma mater, Elmira College, since 2007, she was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters in 2017 for her enduring support and currently serves as board secretary. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute; the Executive Committee of St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, where she chairs Nominations; the Executive Committee of WMHT Educational Communications, where she chairs the Institutional Advancement Committee; the Fenimore Art Museum; and the historic Albany Rural Cemetery, where her late husband is laid to rest. Her past roles include serving as a trustee of the Albany Academy for Girls; president of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's Action Council, the Academy Art Museum, and the Albany Institute of History & Art; and founding chair of Friends of Hospice and founding trustee of the Community Hospice Foundation.

Doris has always enjoyed sitting beside the graduates on Commencement Day and sharing in the excitement of the occasion. This year, though, she'll have a new seat — on the platform to receive her honorary degree, a moment she says she is eagerly anticipating. "It is thrilling and humbling, and it fills you with such deep gratitude for your life and this moment," she says.