Bequest

Frederick A. Rager, Jr. ’44 left Peddie one of the largest bequests in the school's history. Fred, whose family fled Austria before World War II, was greatly influenced at Peddie by Headmaster Dr. Wilbour Saunders and English teacher William Burke. After graduation in 1944, Fred attended Wesleyan University. He devoted himself to a career in banking, to wisely mentoring young colleagues, and to many philanthropies

Fred named Peddie as the sole beneficiary of his estate and was a prominent member of the Bell Society until his death in January 2001. His bequest of $972,199 funded the Frederick A. Rager, Jr. ’44 Rager English Department Chair and Frederick A. Rager, Jr. '44 Prize in English, the highest award of the department.

"Fred was a gentleman of the old school: precise in his language, a bit curmudgeonly, impeccably dressed, and with an appreciation for good food and drink. His early years in America were more challenging than most of us knew, and the attention and guidance given to him at Peddie, a haven for him upon his arrival in the States, helped set the tone for the rest of his life. This bequest will help perpetuate his interests and high standards," said Brian Davidson, director of alumni and parent relations.