Honoring the People Who Taught Him to Give

Jerry was taught at an early age the importance of philanthropy.

"Part of my upbringing was that we were expected to give," says Jerry. "My brother and I both had it ingrained in us that, if at all possible, we were to give back to the community." Cornell is lucky to have been the recipient of Jerry's generosity time and again.

A native of Mt. Vernon, Jerry found Cornell to be a "good fit" for him to pursue his undergraduate work in pre-medicine. After graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1959, he went on to attend the University of Iowa, obtaining his medical degree in 1963.

Following med school, Jerry served in the military and completed his residency in ophthalmology in Iowa before settling in Bloomington, Ill., with his wife, Carole. This past December, he retired after working 33 years at Gailey Eye Clinic in Bloomington.

Throughout the years, Jerry continued to be involved with Cornell, first serving on the Alumni Board and then joining the Board of Trustees in 1980. His tenure with the Board of Trustees has included serving as chairman from 1999 to 2002. While Jerry and Carole have consistently contributed to the Annual Fund over the years, during his time as chairman of the Board of Trustees an opportunity arose that allowed them to do something even more substantial-make a significant gift while honoring loved ones.

In 2000, the Fine Arts Campaign for Cornell was launched, and Jerry was very involved with the Campaign Committee. Because Carole had been a music major at Northwestern College and Jerry had been involved with the band at Cornell, this campaign resonated within their hearts. The couple decided it would be a perfect opportunity to make a large gift in honor of Jerry's parents, Francis and Burnett, the people who taught him to give.

Although they did not have the cash to make a large, outright gift, the Ringers did have other assets that are often overlooked-life insurance and appreciated stock. Together with Jerry's brother, Larry, the couple funded "Ringer Recital Studio." The recital hall was dedicated in October 2003.

Cornell is truly blessed to have wonderful individuals like the Ringers contributing to the college. Because of their dedication, the Ringer name will be synonymous with beautiful music for years to come.