James E. “Ted” Bassett III wasn’t one to seek recognition for his extraordinary generosity, even when Transylvania University sought to name a residence hall in his honor.
The quiet support of this lifetime trustee — whose philanthropy and leadership left an indelible mark on the school — will continue to resonate well beyond his lifetime.
Bassett, a legend in the thoroughbred industry, died last year at the age of 103.
He had signed a $1 million bequest commitment to benefit residence life through the new William T. Young Campus Center, where the President’s Dining Room is named in his honor.
Bassett also provided a leadership gift for Bassett Hall, which opened in 2017 as part of a major residence hall construction initiative designed to better integrate students’ social and academic lives. He joined students for a hot chocolate and dessert reception shortly before it opened. Residents lined up to thank him, and he was presented with a scrapbook filled with their handwritten notes.
“We truly had to twist his arm to place his name on the building — he had no interest in self-promotion,” said Vice President for Advancement Kara Little Covert ’90, who worked closely with Bassett on the naming of the residence hall. “We finally convinced him that his legacy and generosity toward Transy was something we hoped others would emulate. He was a fascinating person with life experiences to match. He always treated everyone with respect — whether you were literally the Queen of England or someone he simply passed on the street.”
A native Kentuckian, Yale graduate and World War II Marine Corps veteran, Bassett built a distinguished career, serving as director of the Kentucky State Police, president of Keeneland from 1970 to 1986 and chairman of the board from 1986 to 2001. He was also president of Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
To honor him, the Keeneland Foundation established an endowed scholarship at Transylvania in his name.
Bassett joined the school’s Board of Trustees in 1970, and he received the Transylvania Medal in 1985.
Throughout his life, Bassett received numerous honors, including the Eclipse Award of Merit, Lord Derby Award, Semper Fidelis Award, John W. Galbreath Award and Congressional Medal of Honor Society Distinguished Citizen Award. He was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and received honorary doctorates from Transylvania, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky.
Bassett’s story illustrates the profound impact of planned giving and how the generosity of donors can leave a lasting effect on current and future Pioneers.
“He believed in Transylvania and our students, and we are forever grateful for the difference he made for our campus,” Covert said.