Giving to Cornell Deserves "Serious Consideration"

John Keck is also a strong supporter of Cornell College—because that’s where he received the “balanced education” and “the experience and the knowledge that has lasted me through the years.”

Both John and Mary Keck are members of the Class of 1953—the College’s centennial class—and were co-chairmen of the class’s 50th reunion, sharing responsibility with others. As such, they were instrumental in the success of the 1953 Centennial Class Scholarship Fund.

“My experience was so positive, I got so much from Cornell, that I wanted to give back,” says Keck. In addition to contributing to the scholarship fund, he and Mary are leaving the College a gift in their will.

“I believe very strongly in the balanced education you receive at a liberal arts college,” he says, “and that’s why I went to Cornell—to be exposed to that.” Keck’s two brothers, along with his wife’s two sisters, also attended Cornell.

Keck says that “without question” he would encourage other alumni to support the College.

“Things that are important to you during your lifetime need to be supported, he says. “I do not know why anyone wouldn’t give serious consideration to a planned gift and what will happen to their resources after they are gone. The Centennial Scholarship Fund had good initial support and will continue to grow with planned gifts.

“I have a great love for Cornell,” says Keck, “and want to see others have the same opportunities that we had.”