Donald Ross MacJannet (1894-1986), A1916, H1933, H1979, was a benefactor of Tufts University and an educator who established his own international schools and camps. In 1932, MacJannet was elected to the Legion of Honor. His greatest gift to the institution was the property in Talloires, France, which the university uses as the European Center. Charlotte Blensdorf (1901-1999), a teacher of the Dalcroze method, married Donald Ross MacJannet in 1932. Together they operated schools and camps for students of all nationalities. During the World War II, the MacJannets returned to the United States, operating a school and camp in Idaho and helping with the war effort in Washington, D.C. In 1944, they established the Vacation School of French with Tufts College. Located in Arlington, MA, the purpose of the summer school was to educate people in French language and culture so that they might take up rehabilitation work in post-war France. In 1944, Tufts president Leonard Carmichael called on the MacJannets to help consolidate the college's dental and medical schools in the new Harrison Avenue, Boston campus. As soon as they were able, the MacJannets returned to France to resume their camps' normal operations. This work also involved Aid to French Orphans, children who were the camp's first attendees after the war. The MacJannets purchased an eleventh century Benedictine priory in Talloires France in 1958. MacJannet restored the building for use as an educational facility, using it for twenty years as a center to house educational and cultural event, events that drew people from around the world. In 1979, the MacJannets turned the property over to Tufts University, which established its European campus and conference center on the premises. Donald Ross MacJannet died on April 4, 1986 in Geneva, Switzerland. Charlotte Blensdorf MacJannet continued the work they had begun together until her death in 1999.
From the description of Donald and Charlotte MacJannet, papers 1825-2003 1825-1999. (Tufts University - Tisch Library). WorldCat record id: 773088657
