Each year, the SUNY Geneseo Foundation recognizes the outstanding contributions of its alumni and friends with the presentation of its highest awards.
The Philanthropic Leadership Award is presented to individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on SUNY Geneseo students through their commitment and generosity. The award, first conferred in 2006, is one of the college’s most prestigious philanthropic recognitions.
This year’s recipients are John '87 and MaryGrace Jiran '84 Gleason. John earned a degree in economics and MaryGrace Gleason earned a bachelor’s in secondary education and speech pathology, and a master’s in speech therapy.
John and MaryGrace are both long-time supporters of Geneseo, establishing the John A. and MaryGrace Gleason Endowed Ambassadorship, which provides support for student affairs activities. John has served on the Foundation Board since 2012 and at its most recent board meeting, was elected to serve as its next chair. John is Global COO for Prime Brokerage and Listed Derivatives at Morgan Stanley & Co.
MaryGrace is a self-employed speech pathologist. John and MaryGrace have two daughters, Emily and Claire.
The Gleasons provided strong leadership in the successful 2008-20 13 “Shaping Lives of Purpose” capital campaign. Both worked in their Long Island region and nationally to encourage alumni participation in this important effort. They have also assisted Geneseo admissions personnel in writing notes of encouragement to prospective students. In addition, John has hosted students in New York City for externship programs. In 2012, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the former Geneseo Alumni Association.
The Foundation Board also announced two Emeritus Board Chair designations, both of which were accompanied by space namings.
Kevin Gavagan ’75 was named Emeritus Board Chair in recognition of over 21 years of service to the Foundation Board. During this period, Kevin served as treasurer and as chair. A longtime supporter of Geneseo’s philanthropic efforts, Kevin and spouse, Nancy ’76, have contributed to numerous initiatives, establishing the Kevin ’75 and Nancy Mogab ’76 Gavagan Endowed Fund for Faculty Development and the Kevin ’75 and Nancy Mogab ’76 Gavagan New Horizons Scholarships. In recognizing Kevin for his efforts, President Denise A. Battles said: “It has been a pleasure to have worked alongside Kevin for the last two years. His measured, thoughtful and pragmatic approach always instills confidence. I have been grateful for his partnership. And because of his extraordinary service for more than two decades, the college will be honoring him by naming the conference room in the advancement division the Gavagan Conference Room.”
Jack Kramer ’76 was also honored with the title Emeritus Board Chair for his service to the Foundation Board. Jack is the second-longest serving board member, including a 10-year stint as chair. A generous contributor for 31 years, Jack and spouse, Carol ’76, have supported many initiatives, including the establishment of the Jack ’76 and Carol ’76 Kramer Endowed Lectureship, the Kramer Teaching Fellowships Fund, the Carol Kramer Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Psychology, the Jack Kramer Endowment for Excellence in Physics, and the Jack ’76 and Carol ’76 Kramer New Horizons Scholarship.
In announcing Jack’s Emeritus Board Chair designation, Battles noted: “Jack’s passion for the college and students is unequaled. He has been a proud champion as he has rallied others to join in supporting Geneseo. When talking about the college, you can always hear the determination, urgency and positivity in his voice. He has modeled service and selflessness for all of this but especially for the students. And because of these traits and because the college wishes to honor him for his distinguished service, the college will be naming the student call center in the advancement division the Kramer Call Center.”
Under Kevin and Jack’s respective years of leadership, Geneseo’s endowment has grown from $5 million to more than $30 million.
The Foundation also recognized two organizations for their unwavering support of SUNY Geneseo. The two groups, which have each made contributions of more than $1 million, were honored with a plaque on the Donors of Distinction Wall, which is in the Donor Garden in front of Wadsworth Auditorium. The wall and garden pays tribute to Geneseo’s most generous contributors.
The award to Geneseo’s Campus Auxiliary Service (CAS) was accepted by Enrico Johnson, assistant provost and president of the CAS Board of Directors. A not-for-profit company dedicated to serving SUNY Geneseo, CAS provides a number of non-academic services to the college, including dining programs, catering, laundry, cable, vending, ID, refuse and recycling, as well as a host of other services. CAS also owns and operates the Big Tree Inn.
Since 1989, CAS has provided generous financial support to the college, including during the “Shaping Lives of Purpose” capital campaign, in which its gifts totaled $500,000. CAS’s financial support has been extremely impactful and wide-reaching, and includes support for student scholarships, study abroad scholarships, athletics and various departmental and college-related organizations. CAS has also provided assistance for summer fellowships, Presidential initiatives and the Center for Inquiry, Discovery and Development.
In addition to direct financial support, CAS also encourages its vendor partners to give back to Geneseo through financial support, in-kind contributions and student internships.
Also receiving Donor of Distinction honors was the former Geneseo Alumni Association (GAA). The award was accepted by Eddie Lee ’76, who served as the group’s immediate past president.
GAA was officially incorporated on Jan. 11, 1943; and in June 1944, at its second annual meeting, held the first of what was to become Geneseo’s reunion weekend. About 34 classes were represented at this inaugural event, the oldest being the Class of 1886. In 1947, the GAA made its first scholarship award to an incoming freshman, launching a long tradition of providing student support. In the same year, the first alumni bulletin was published, which eventually evolved into the Scene magazine.
Throughout its 73-year history, the GAA supported the college with scholarships, professorships, ambassadorships and alumni recognition activities. The GAA has also provided assistance to the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) program, a range of career and externship program, and support for the Undergraduate Alumni Association. In its final act of generosity and goodwill, GAA made a legacy gift to the Foundation of almost $660,000. The gift will fund student and alumni engagement programs and the Undergraduate Alumni Association.
Top Photo: John '87 and MaryGrace Jiran '84 Gleason receive The Philanthropic Leadership Award from President Denise A. Battles.
Jack Kramer ’76 is honored with the title Emeritus Board Chair for his service to the Foundation Board and a designation of the Kramer Call Center in the advancement division.
Kevin Gavagan ’75 is named Emeritus Board Chair and is honored with the Gavagan Conference Room in Doty Hall.
Geneseo Alumni Association Past President Eddie Lee '76 accepts the Donor of Distinction award for the former Geneseo Alumni Association.
Enrico Johnson, assistant provost and president of the Campus Auxiliary Services Board of Directors, accepts the Donor of Distinction Award for Campus Auxiliary Services.