Our donors, and the beneficiaries of their generosity, have stories to share.
Read their inspiring stories below:
Asking Forward: Ashley Fairman’s Legacy for Women in STEM
When Ashley Fairman (’05) thinks about leadership, she remembers the day she walked into Dean Ron Madler’s office at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus, certain her Air Force dream was over.
Pilot and Veteran Ray Stratton Took to the Skies. Now He’s Lifting Others through His Legacy Gift.
For Aeronautical Science alumnus Ray Stratton (’78), giving isn’t about legacy in the abstract. It’s personal. It’s purposeful. And it’s rooted in deep gratitude.
“I’ve been very fortunate. I need to give back. In doing so, I hope it influences others as to its importance.”
Professor Emeritus endows scholarship to propel student success
From sun-drenched South Florida to the classrooms and labs of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Peter Vosbury (’69) embodies how education transforms lives. By creating an endowed scholarship, he and his wife Linda ensure future students can follow in his aviation footsteps.
A Gift of Insurance Celebrates a Life Well Spent
Longtime donor Charles Williams finds creative ways to support his alma mater, including the university's first-ever life insurance gift.
Former Flight Instructor Goes Full Throttle and Full Circle with His Passion for Aviation Safety
Chuck Crinnian, certified flight instructor, and Charles Crinnian, M.D., are the same person: a professional aviator and a physician. He has combined both careers with full-throttle passion.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Flight
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.
Sharing the Dream
One man’s deferred dream of flight becomes an inspiration to give back to aspiring aviators
Steve and Lynn Walter Make Planned Gift to Support Astronomy and Flight Students
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.
Opening Doors and Changing Lives
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.
A Vision for Future Entrepreneurs
Pilot and businessman Frederick ‘Rick’ Brown’s recent planned gift honors the entrepreneurial spirit that mentor Jack Hunt once sparked in him
Generosity Times Ten
Ted Beneigh believes that Henry David Thoreau had it right when he advised, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”
A Winning Combination
When it comes to their philosophy of giving, Bob and Bobbi Coleman are as like-minded as their names would suggest.
A Perfect Fit
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.
Growing Opportunities
“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
Embry-Riddle’s First Cadet Gives Back
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.
Celebrating a Love of Flight
“John always declared he was going to fly until he died and his wish was granted.” — Teresa Delafosse
A Higher Education
“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.
Investing In the Future
“I like what Embry-Riddle is doing and has done for the community. I think it’s a great institution.”-- L. Gale Lemerand
Making History
"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
Champions for Eagle Athletics
“We want the students to excel the best they can.”— Joan Spiroff
Honoring the Goals and Dreams of a Lifetime
Lisa Elizabeth Wagner was a focused, driven young woman who endeavored to live every day of her life exactly as she had imagined it.
Taking Care of Business
“We wanted to do something to specifically help students.”— Alex Wells