New York Physics professor Vinod Menon was sent a cardboard box. It had USD 1,80,000 inside
A Physics HOD received a unique mail as he resumed classes in-person, after months of Zoom lectures. Assuming it to be a memento from an alumni, he opened the box to see wads of cash in it along with a senti letter from a so-called alumni. It was classic, just like in movies.
WHAT HAPPENED?
As the Chairman of the Physics department and a Physics professor, Vinod Menon did not get many physical mails at work. But when he returned to the City College of New York (CCNY) to conduct in-person classes, he was surprised. He had received some usual junk mail and a big, battered cardboard box.
Menon initially thought that it was some kind of a memento sent by a former student, but was surprised to open the box to find stacks of $50 and $100 bills totalling upto $1,80,000. He had never seen this kind of money in cash, in real life, and did not know how to react. He was shocked out of his wits. An unsigned letter in the package explained the mystery to some extent. The donor had apparantly graduated from the City College long ago. He had a double major in physics and mathematics, then got an MA in physics at the college and went on to get a double PhD in physics and astronomy.
AN EXPLANATION IN A LETTER
He had written the letter to reduce the obvious curiosity that would arise once the college would receive the money. "Assuming that you are (a) bit curious as to why I am doing this, the reason is straightforward: the excellent educational opportunity available to me -- which I took full advantage of at CCNY (and Stuyvesant High School) -- gave me the basis to continue to develop."
The donor had had "a long, productive, immensely rewarding" scientific career. The letter specifically asked for the money to be used to help junior and senior students who needed financial support in completing their double majors in physics and maths.
THE BOX
The cash box that weighed 4 pounds and 8 ounces, was sent at a cost of $90.80 by a 2-day priority mail from Florida. But here's the twist - the box was delivered to CCNY on November 12, 2020. Pretty much after the school had moved to Zoom learning in March 2020 because of the pandemic. Menon would visit the lab regularly during the pandemic, but not the science building where he taught.
Even though seeing the money was a shock, the letter filled him with pride and happiness because it proved one thing: He actually made a difference in someone's life. Menon called the Dean of Sciences immediately when he realised how much money they had. They contacted the campus police and the department that handles gifts and first ensured that the money did not come from crime. Authorities like the school investigators, NYPD, US Postal Service, the FBI and the Department of Treasury determined the money was clean.
BUT, WHO SENT IT?
The packet was sent under anonymity as the name and the return address mentioned on the package did not match any of the college alumni records.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY?
Once the gift was declared to be legit, the board of trustees voted unanimously to accept the money. The department will now honour the donor's wish by giving out two full-tuition scholarships each year. As tuition costs about $7,500 per year, the gift will fund the scholarships for a decade.
WHAT THE EXCITED BOARD SAID
Board members marvelled at the gift during the meeting and someone even suggested that they bronze the box and put it on display. It would be a fitting tribute to the donor's generosity and would also reflect the honesty of the campus's mail system. The board was ecstatic and grateful for the gift because of two reasons:
- The decision that the college was the right place to invest money in, was overwhelming.
- The college had actually helped someone create a wonderful career.
Isn't it wonderful to give back to your alma mater?