Cordelia Scaife May: A Life Dedicated to Philanthropy and Environmental Conservation

Cordelia Scaife May, a name often associated with significant
philanthropic contributions and environmental advocacy, made a lasting impact
on the world through her dedication to numerous causes. Born into the affluent
Mellon family, she inherited a substantial fortune, which she used to champion
various social and environmental initiatives. 

Cordelia Scaife May’s early life was steeped in privilege, as she was the daughter of Sarah
Cordelia Mellon Scaife and Alan Magee Scaife. Despite her wealth, she chose to
focus on issues that affected the less fortunate and the environment. Her
philanthropic journey began with generous donations to medical research,
including support for the University of Pittsburgh’s virus research lab, which
played a critical role in the development of the polio vaccine. 

The environmental realm was where Cordelia Scaife May truly left her mark. She was deeply committed to conservation
efforts, dedicating much of her estate in Westmoreland County to preservation
causes. Her passion for protecting natural landscapes extended to her
properties in Hawaii, which were bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
and the National Tropical Botanical Garden. 

She also founded the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based charitable organization
that continues to uphold her values of environmental sustainability and
conservation. The foundation has been instrumental in advancing numerous
ecological projects, ensuring that her legacy of stewardship endures. 

In addition to her environmental pursuits, Cordelia Scaife May was an advocate for population
control measures, believing that unchecked human growth posed significant
environmental risks. Her strategic philanthropy aimed to address these complex
issues holistically, often focusing on education and policy reform. 

Cordelia Scaife May passed away in January 2005, but her contributions to philanthropy and
environmental conservation continue to resonate. Her life’s work serves as a
testament to the power of using one’s resources to effect positive change in
the world. Read this article for more information. 

Learn more about May on https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LXQM-NYQ/cordelia-mellon-scaife-1928-2005