Meet Our Donors
We thank you for your gifts, given because of your belief in the University and the education it has provided and continues to provide for generations of young people. Your generosity ensures a bright future for the University and instills the meaning of philanthropy in today’s students. Here are just a few stories of the many alumni and friends who are carrying on our great tradition of giving.
Danny Heumann ’91 is an inspiration to all those whose lives he touches. As the result of a car accident, Danny was paralyzed two weeks before he began his freshman year but showed unwavering resolve in attending Syracuse and now teaches others through motivational speaking. “The University stepped in and gave me reasons to live despite my situation. It was an incredible experience and this is my way of giving back.”
Though he is a young husband and father, Danny has already made a bequest that he knows will enhance the SU experience for future generations. “If it wasn’t for the University, Syracuse alums wouldn’t be the people they are today. If we can help future students reach their potential, that is what it’s all about.” He also believes that this gift will keep him closely tied to his alma mater in perpetuity. “In spirit, I still want to be part of the campus because Syracuse will always be part of my soul.”
Photo: Danny with wife Lynn and daughter Kate.
Audrey Schwier ’47 (VPA) found that a gift annuity with Syracuse was a true win-win situation as she could give back to the University she loves, while receiving guaranteed income for the rest of her life. She also felt strongly that “the University will be very prudent with my gift and students that might have trouble affording SU will be greatly assisted.”
She is also leaving a bequest to the University as her way of saying thank you for the doors that were opened to her and other alumni. “Syracuse gave us a great education and opportunities, and we have an obligation to give back what we can.” Audrey still keeps in close contact with friends from the Hill and comes back for reunion to relive great memories and experience the progress of the University first-hand.
Photo: Audrey receiving the Chancellor's Council plaque from Chancellor Buzz Shaw in recognition of her gifts to SU.
When Cora Parsons ’68 (EDU), proud mother and grandmother, was considering her estate plans, her first priority was taking care of her family. Then, when she thought about her charitable options, family again was at the center of the decision. Both of her parents and an aunt also attended SU and always spoke fondly of their years on the Hill. “My parents were able to attend Syracuse only because of the scholarships they received and I hope that my gift will help other students attend the University.”
Cora’s Masters degree allowed her to nurture the lives of students for 19 years as a guidance counselor. Her bequest to SU will help to provide for future students whose dream is to attend college. “I hope those who were given a hand, just as my family was, will consider giving back so others may enjoy the same opportunity.”
Photo: Cora enjoying summer in Syracuse.
Dr. Jack Nicholson ’69 (A&S) and wife Joan ’71 (A&S), ’89 (HD)
Dr. Jack Nicholson ’69 (A&S) and wife Joan ’71 (A&S), ’89 (HD) go a little further back than most couples that fell in love on the Hill. They first met all the way back in grade school and have been enjoying each other’s company ever since. During their time at SU, both were enrolled in the pre-med program that led to extremely successful careers for both in the health field. “The intensity of the course work was challenging and stimulating”, said Joan. “We have always felt that the education we received prepared us for the future”.
The Nicholson’s have long been thinking about the University’s future as well, as they have planned on making a substantial gift since their graduation. They recently decided this gift would be a paid up life insurance policy that will help to fund undergraduate research in the life sciences. Joan said they felt strongly about this because, “a major strength of the University is the opportunities that are offered to the undergraduate for research projects that are reserved for graduate students at many other institutions”.
Their connection to Syracuse got even stronger over the past decade as all three of their daughters, JoAnna ’95 (NEW), Julie ’99 (A&S), and Jane ’04 (A&S) are now proud alums pursuing graduate studies across the country. The Nicholson’s annual contributions have placed them in the Society of Fellows for a number of years and they plan to continue this support along with their gift of life insurance because, “ it only makes sense to support SU’s continued success and reputation in a world where endowment can make or break an institution”, said Joan.
Photo: Jack and Joan delighting in Reunion weekend on campus.
Earl Simmons ’49 (VPA)
Like many young adults, Earl Simmons ’49 (VPA) dreamed of attending college but lacked the resources to realize his ambition. His fortunes changed when he heard about the G.I. Bill while serving in the armed forces during World War II. He took advantage of this opportunity along with 10,000 other G.I.s who changed the face of the Syracuse campus overnight. Being older than the average student and eager to join the workforce, he attained his degree in 3 years through an accelerated program but now says, “looking back, I had such a good time, I wish I had stayed for four years.”
Earl had early visions of a career in radio but hundreds of aspiring actors and actresses are thankful he wound up majoring in Musical Theater. After honing his skills during a stage career that included 3 stints on Broadway, he took his craft to the classroom where he taught Speech and Theater at Long Island University. Throughout his distinguished 20-year tenure, he directed numerous student productions and even performed in them when called upon by those he mentored.
Earl has long made annual contributions to Syracuse and said, “for many years I knew that I wanted to do something bigger when the time was right.” He recently decided that establishing a charitable gift annuity with the University would allow him to achieve his wish of future support for the College of Visual and Performing Arts while also yielding a guaranteed income stream for the rest of his life. “Syracuse provided me with so much growing up; an education and preparation for a career. I just feel that it is incumbent on any graduate who has the ability, to give back.”
Photo: Earl soaking up the sun at Reunion.