Inspiring Stories
I Give Back Because Others Have Given Forward to Me
Tom Serwatka started his master's program at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì during the summer of 1970, a time of great social change. As a result, he says he enjoyed many life-affirming experiences during his time at the university while working toward both his master's and Ph.D. degrees in language disorders and deaf education.
Why I Made a Bequest to ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì
Charles Harker's decision to create a scholarship to aid future students was easy. He found that he could create a scholarship with its intent now, and fund it through his will.
Bill and Margaret Clark - Creating an Educational Legacy
The Clarks spent many years supporting various programs and renovations at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Geauga, including updates to the library, the main entrance and parking lot, and the complete renovation of the commons area, which was named the William T. and Margaret R. Clark Commons in their honor. An endowed general scholarship was established in Bill and Margaret's names, which has benefitted many students who live in the area.
Martin and Susan Goetz
It was love at first sight for Marty Goetz. The 18-year-old Long Island native and recent high school graduate was simply visiting a friend who attended ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì when the campus worked its magic on him. To help honor Hoobler, Andra Polasky, director of planned giving, assisted Marty in creating a legacy gift that expressed how much the university played a defining role in his life. Marty and his wife, Susan, have made a bequest to the Atkinson-Hoobler Scholarship Fund that supports student (peer) tutors at the Trumbull Campus.
David and Patricia Grutzmacher Keep the Giving Circle Growing
If you've ever been a "band nerd," you have a lot in common with David and Pat Grutzmacher. When the two met in college, they shared a love of music (he played trumpet and she the oboe) and went on to share their lives as well. Today, David is a vice president at a small manufacturing company, and Pat is planning her "official" retirement from ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì after 38 years in a variety of roles at both the Stark and Kent campuses: first as a graduate student, then as a professor, coordinator of music education, and a developer of degree programs. She and David are also planning their giving legacy by establishing the Patricia and David Grutzmacher Endowed Scholarship for Music Education with a bequest to the university.
Ed and Peg Hall - All Roads Lead to a Giving Legacy
Inspired by late faculty colleagues Jim Rinier (geology) and Art Herrick (biology) who designated ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì in their estate plans, Ed and his wife, Peg, have funded a gift annuity, which at maturity will benefit the Map Library in the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University Libraries.
Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Randall Keller, '08
What's your motivation to give back? Randall Keller, '08, feels ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì is a vital part of Northeast Ohio, and has chosen to boost its regional impact through his estate plan. Randall's gift will support students of ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University's College of Business, and also the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì wrestling pr…Why I'm Leaving a Legacy: Patricia Grutzmacher, '85
Patricia Grutzmacher, '85, professor emerita of music education, remembers that as a student it was important for her to have time to study, reflect, philosophize and actually learn. Now, it's important to Patricia to give back to help future students have those same opportunities.
Why I'm Leaving A Legacy: Marilyn Seifert Flower, B.S. '61, M.E '86
Marilyn Flower and her late husband, Don, were passionate supporters of the men's basketball and wrestling programs at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì, and Marilyn loves Porthouse Theater as well.
Why We're Leaving a Legacy: Andy, '73 and Micheal, '72 Sonderman
Andy and Micheal Sonderman have fond memories of their time as students at both the Trumbull and Kent campuses. That's why they decided to make a planned gift that will benefit both.