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.
An Enduring Journey of Commitment
Huo-Bing Yin's acceptance to Syracuse University's L.C. Smith College of Engineering came a mere three months before he was to report for class in the fall of 1948. This presented a seemingly insurmountable problem for the Shanghai, China, native, since all of the economy-class bookings for the ocean voyage to the United States were already sold out. In order to arrive in time to begin his first semester at SU—where his cousin, Tony Yeh '49 was a student—the determined young man was a passenger on that ship. He traveled first class, even though it took almost all the money he had.
As he set sail across the Pacific Ocean, the impoverished student in posh accommodations met a young Chinese woman, also on her way to the United States to study. Romance blossomed on the high seas—in part, Yin often said jokingly, because the young woman, Lillian Wang, was impressed by his first-class passage.
"Of course, my uncle was being too modest," says George Yin, Huo-Bing's nephew. "But the problem of his sea voyage turned out to have a wonderful silver lining—he met the woman he would eventually marry."
H.B. Yin (as he was known throughout his life) graduated from SU in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in mechanical engineering. His thesis topic was microwave impedance measurements. After a lengthy courtship, Yin—who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1956—and Lillian Wang were wed in 1957 and both went on to have successful careers. H.B. Yin was an engineer with RCA and IBM, holding a number of patents. Lillian Wang Yin, who earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, worked for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, serving two decades as director of the Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Radiological Devices Division.
In their leisure time, the couple enjoyed ballroom dancing and traveled widely. H.B. Yin excelled in bridge, earning enough master points to reach the highest levels of achievement in the game. In 1978, they suffered the tragic loss of their son, Daniel, 19, a pre-med student at Johns Hopkins University, who was killed in an automobile accident. Lillian Wang Yin died in 2000, H.B. Yin in 2010.
H.B.Yin's connection to Syracuse University was so strong that during his lifetime, he created two charitable gift annuities that would eventually endow a scholarship fund for engineering students. His estate bequest created a second endowed scholarship fund, also to benefit engineering students. In total, his gifts to the University amount to more than $2 million.
"My uncle loved his time at Syracuse," George Yin says. "He thought the campus was so beautiful and told stories of sliding down the hills when it snowed. With few contacts at Syracuse, other than his cousin (who later became an SU Trustee), he was very grateful for the warm welcome he received from everyone at the University."
Photo: H.B. Yin '50 with his wife Dr. Lillian Yin.
Giving now and in the future
Life at Syracuse University was a bit different when Jeralyn Delisi Lowe '64, G'65 was a student here. Residence halls had a curfew—9 p.m. on weeknights and just a little after midnight on weekends. Female students were expected to wear blouses, cardigans, skirts, knee socks, and penny loafers, which were the height of fashion at the time. They were strongly discouraged from wearing pants or slacks, except on the coldest, snowiest days.
Some of Jeralyn's favorite memories of her time at SU include watching her friend stand on the roof of their residence hall tossing underwear during a panty raid, and the time the fraternity boys who lived next door to her Chi Omega sorority house sent a television set hurtling to the pavement, just for fun.
Those special times—and the excellent education she received at SU—inspired Jeralyn to help future students have the same—or better—Syracuse University experience.
"My parents made sure I had a degree to fall back on," says Jeralyn, who earned a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandizing from what was then the College of Home Economics and a master's degree in education at SU. "Syracuse University was a training ground for me—it gave me the experience of cherishing relationships and taught me self-discipline."
After graduation, Jeralyn began working in Project Head Start in California, then took a position with the Michigan Department of Social Services, where she worked for 30 years, serving for 18 years as a director of county public welfare.
Through the years, Jeralyn has given to the SU colleges that housed her undergraduate major. "No one goes into social work expecting to get rich," she says. "I gave what I could." Recently, she decided to donate a larger amount to the School of Social Work, providing an unrestricted gift in her trust. "From serving on the boards of many child welfare and family service agencies in the past 40 years, I learned how important and rare it is to receive donations that can be used for out-of-the box ideas to aid faculty, or for other opportunities," she says. "That's why my gift is unrestricted."
Since she plans to live at least another 30 years, Jeralyn also decided to give an additional gift now, to support current faculty and students. "Interestingly, giving now has some tax advantages," she says. "When it's time for me to begin taking a required distribution from my IRA, I will need higher tax deductions. So my gifts may need to increase rather than decrease."
Jeralyn encourages other alumni to give to the University, during their lifetimes and in their trusts and wills. "For me, there is a depth of satisfaction and 'rightness' about this," she says. "I believe it is financially strategic, smart planning, and most of all, emotionally satisfying."
It's never too soon to plan
As a Newhouse student working at WAER, Marc Penziner '01, knew how far just a relatively small amount of money could go. Funds were always needed for new recording equipment, or for gasoline or airline tickets to get to a ball game he and his colleagues were assigned to cover. "Even $1,000 would have made a huge difference to us," Penziner says. Now a financial advisor with Bernstein Global Wealth Management, Penziner, 32, spends much of his time helping clients create their estate and financial plans. "I do charitable giving work for a living, and I know how important it is to plan for the future," he says. "So I've made a gift to Syracuse University through my own financial plan."
His estate gift is divided among the recipients most important to him—the Newhouse School, WAER and SU Athletics. "Some of my favorite memories are of working all hours of the day and night with the WAER group—of being in that corner studio at 1 a.m.," he says. "Syracuse University became my second home. The education I got there was world-class—the friends and connections I made have lasted and are still part of my social life."
As his life situation changes, Penziner notes, so will his commitment to Syracuse University. "Right now, I'm single, with no heirs," he says. "That may change, if I marry and have children. But I've clearly given thought to Syracuse University in my estate planning. The percentage given to the University may change, but SU will always have a place at the table."
Penziner encourages other SU alumni to consider making the University part of their future plans. "I think you should take the time to give whatever you can at any stage of your life," he says. "You should think about the things that helped shape you—and for me, one is Syracuse University."
Kleinhans Athletic Scholarship Incites Excellence On and Off the Field
Although I didn’t attend Syracuse University, my late husband, Dick, graduated from SU in 1943. He lettered as a member of the lacrosse team under the direction of head coach Roy Simmons Sr. and also was involved with the SU rowing association. Through his eyes, I really saw how much his college years meant to him, so I created the Richard C. and Claire B. Kleinhans Athletic Scholarship to give other young people the same opportunity Dick had to receive a wonderful education while participating in a sport they love. My husband was so proud of his years at Syracuse, and I’m happy to see other students share his experience.
Photo caption: Claire Kleinhans with her husband, Richard, who was named a Letterwinner of Distinction in 2002.
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.
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.