Columbia College announced today a transformational gift from Carol Ann Peck, Honorary Class of 2024, in support of the College’s music program and in celebration of world-renowned Columbia (Christian) College alumna Jane Froman Smith, Class of 1926.
To honor one of the most significant philanthropic investments in school history, Columbia College’s music program will now be named the Jane Froman Smith and Carol Ann Peck Music Program.
The gift, which will provide program support and scholarships, honors the extraordinary friendship between Peck and Froman, a legendary performer of radio, stage and screen from the 1930s through 1950s. Froman demonstrated remarkable resilience after experiencing life-altering injuries in a 1943 plane crash while traveling overseas to entertain American troops. Through sheer determination and perseverance, Froman returned to performing and continued to inspire audiences around the country.
“Jane gave so much to me, and I take great joy in the opportunity to pay her kindness forward,” Peck said. “This gift is about honoring her incredible legacy of musical performance and service while supporting Columbia College students for generations to come. Jane’s story will continue to bring people together from across the country and around the world, just as she did throughout her life.”
Peck’s connection to Froman began in 1952, when Peck was vacationing with her family in Colorado. Unable to participate in a golf outing because of physical difficulties related to cerebral palsy, Peck went to a movie instead. She chose With a Song in My Heart, a biographical film about Froman. Peck had never heard of Froman before seeing the film, but Froman’s story deeply resonated with her.
For the next several years, Peck immersed herself in Froman’s life and career, corresponding with other young Froman admirers and eventually meeting the singer in 1957. What began as admiration blossomed into a lifelong friendship. Peck attended Froman’s performances, visited her backstage and remained close to Froman and her husband, Rowland Smith, throughout the 1960s. Even after Peck and her family moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina, in 1972, she continued to visit Froman in Columbia.
For decades, a devoted community of Froman Fans has worked to preserve her memory and legacy. Recognized as honorary alumni of Columbia College in 2024, the group supports the college’s archives and historical organizations that celebrate Froman’s contributions.
“Carol has spent decades working to ensure that Jane Froman’s inspirational life story endures. Through this gift, a lasting legacy now preserves Jane’s memory and benefits Columbia College students of today and tomorrow, ” said Anita Abbott Timmons ’58, Chair of the Columbia College Board of Trustees. “Carol’s gift commemorates a cherished friendship between two remarkable individuals through the universal language of music, which unites us all.”
One hundred years after Froman’s graduation from CC, her impact is felt today as much as ever through the newly named Jane Froman Smith and Carol Ann Peck Music Program.
“We are deeply grateful for Jane’s legacy and Carol’s extraordinary generosity,” said Columbia College President Dr. Toby Arquette. “Both of their lives serve as testaments of courage and connection, and this gift will grow our music program and support our students as they pursue their passion for performance.”
The future of music
Join Carol Ann Peck Hon. ’24 in supporting the next generation of music students at Columbia College as we continue sharing the inspiring legacy of Jane Froman Smith, Class of 1926.
Make a gift to the Jane Froman Smith and Carol Ann Peck Music Program!
