Donation of $15 million becomes largest in Southwestern's history
GEORGETOWN -- Jack Garey, a philanthropist and retired businessman, has donated $15 million to Southwestern University in Georgetown for need-based scholarships, faculty chairs and other purposes, delivering the largest cash gift in the schools 178-year history.
Garey, 88, said he had pledged years ago to donate the money upon his death but decided to make the gift now to see its fruits benefit the small liberal arts college.
In a similar way, Garey decided three years ago to donate his 525-acre ranch to the city of Georgetown for a park rather than make the city wait until he dies. The property borders the South San Gabriel River and includes two man-made ponds, several springs and a 6,000-square-foot Tuscan-style villa. He also donated $5 million toward the parks development.
This unprecedented and transformative gift, which has been fully allocated to the universitys endowment, will build upon our reputation as a world-class institution that is transforming higher education and as a national leader in high-impact learning and intellectual growth, said Edward Burger, Southwesterns president.
Read more: https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/donation-million-becomes-largest-southwestern-history/SuhLDspznIsH3jLQqfeIUJ/
Full disclosure: I'm a Southwestern University alum.