Alan and Nathalie Voorhees
Alan Voorhees approached nearly every aspect of his life with thoughtful consideration and an eye towards the future. “He liked ideas, progress and productivity,” says his daughter, Nancy. As a world-renowned urban planner and civil engineer, Alan was instrumental in developing the interstate highway system and planning metro transit systems throughout the country. Later in life, he turned his interest to real estate and developed the Berkley Hotel in Richmond, among other properties. Nathalie, his wife of 51 years, was his constant support, enabling Alan to pursue his work and vision. Nancy observes, "While my Dad put together great companies, he could not have done it with out Mom at his side."
As philanthropists, Alan and Nathalie focused on institutions that promote education, preserve nature and interpret Virginia history. They were generous benefactors of Rutgers University, Renssalear Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College and Voorhees College. In 1994, the Voorhees family donated over 700 acres of land along the Rappahannock River to the Nature Conservancy. Alan took a scholarly approach to developing an extensive collection of rare and historical maps dated from the 16th century to present day. The collection was later donated to the Library of Virginia, the Virginia Historical Society and the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Alan and Nathalie Voorhees never sought the limelight. They focused their efforts on building lasting value, and through an endowment at The Community Foundation, they continued the family's legacy of giving through their three children who jointly advise the Alan M. & Nathalie P. Voorhees Fund.
By providing for The Community Foundation in his estate plans, Alan Voorhees became a member of our Legacy Society. To view a list of members, please click here.