Jennie McGraw | |
|---|---|
 An 1861 illustration of McGraw | |
| Born | September 14, 1840 Dryden, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 30, 1881 (aged 41) Ithaca, New York, U.S. |
| Monuments | McGraw Tower |
| Known for |
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| Spouse | |
| Father | John McGraw |
Jennie McGraw, also Jennie McGraw Fiske (September 14, 1840 – September 30, 1881), was a millionaire philanthropist to Cornell University along with her parents John McGraw and Rhoda Charlotte Southworth. In 1868, she gave the university a set of chimes. The first tune played at any Cornell Chimes concert is the "Cornell Changes", also known as the "Jennie McGraw Rag". They continue to be played every day from McGraw Tower on the campus. She was also the founder of the Southworth Library in Dryden, New York. Upon her death, she left a significant bequest to Cornell University. Her will designated monies for a library, McGraw Hall, a student health center, and additional monies to be used as the university wished. She was married when she was 39 to professor and librarian Willard Fiske, but lived less than two years following the wedding ceremony.