A Gift Inspired by Nature

Rich Ferro '76 drew from his love of the outdoors when deciding how to support SUNY Geneseo. When Rich learned that the mission of the Spencer J. Roemer Arboretum closely matched his values, he decided to include a gift to support the Arboretum in his will.

"My lifeblood is being in the woods," Rich says. "It's just like being in a church for me. Everybody needs to decompress, and natural spaces are in decline, so it's nice that Geneseo thought similarly. I like that the Arboretum benefits the most people - students, faculty, staff, and community members."

The Roemer Arboretum's mission is to encourage SUNY Geneseo students and the Geneseo community to understand, enjoy, and preserve the natural world. This mission is accomplished by blending educational programs, student-oriented research, and exemplary ecologically-based management and conservation.

"I transferred from a two-year college," Rich says, "and I wasn't exactly a stellar student. Geneseo always had a great reputation. They took a chance on me, and making this gift is a way to express my appreciation." Rich says he chose to make this gift through a provision in his will because it offers him the most flexibility should an unexpected need for those resources arise.

"If the earth is dead, nothing else counts," Rich says. "Nothing else matters - gas prices, inflation - nothing matters if there's nothing for us to live on. Earth has to be the priority."

IS A CHARITABLE BEQUEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

We have resources to help you learn more about bequests. Click here to review sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.

You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If they have any questions, please contact us.