Donor Stories

Longtime donor Charles Williams finds creative ways to support his alma mater, including the university's first-ever life insurance gift.

Making a planned gift to Embry-Riddle provides a powerful opportunity to honor those you love while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams of flight. Leslie Gibson (’98) is doing just that with her planned gift to create scholarships for aviation students at Embry-Riddle.

One man’s deferred dream of flight becomes an inspiration to give back to aspiring aviators

A lifelong interest in space and aviation, combined with a desire to help others with their education, inspired Steve and his wife Lynn Walter to make a planned gift to Embry-Riddle.

Donna Roberts, an associate professor and dual alumna of Embry-Riddle (2010), wanted to help students who share her passion for education, especially those in the military.

Pilot and businessman Frederick ‘Rick’ Brown’s recent planned gift honors the entrepreneurial spirit that mentor Jack Hunt once sparked in him

Ted Beneigh believes that Henry David Thoreau had it right when he advised, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”

When it comes to their philosophy of giving, Bob and Bobbi Coleman are as like-minded as their names would suggest.

Bob and Jenny Crouch know a thing or two about synergy. They spent a combined 60 years with Boeing Commercial—Bob mostly as a mid-level manager and Jenny as a human resources employee and manager—bringing the right pieces together to get the best results.

“Embry-Riddle Prescott is part of my family and part of my history. It’s something that I love and am really proud of.” – Tonia Fortner, Embry-Riddle Prescott Board of Visitors member

As the very first Cadet to enroll in Embry-Riddle’s Air Force ROTC program, Chuck Graf (‘75, DB) has a special place in his heart for what has become the largest university Air Force ROTC Detachment in the nation.

“John always declared he was going to fly until he died and his wish was granted.” — Teresa Delafosse

“I hope that our funding of the distinguished speakers program will bring people to the Embry-Riddle campus who will help build leadership in our society by providing them with real insight into their faith and skills.” – Trustee Emeritus Harry V. Lamon Jr.

“I like what Embry-Riddle is doing and has done for the community. I think it’s a great institution.”-- L. Gale Lemerand

"That’s why I’m a donor, because of all I’ve been given. For me, it’s all these experiences that just gave me an awesome life.” —Bob Rockett

“We want the students to excel the best they can.”— Joan Spiroff

Lisa Elizabeth Wagner was a focused, driven young woman who endeavored to live every day of her life exactly as she had imagined it.

“We wanted to do something to specifically help students.”— Alex Wells