Pay it forward: $4 million legacy gift announced this morning….

Wow.

One of the cool things at the schools here is the announcement (at FHHS & SSIS) of a scholarship that pays a deserving student’s four years at a university. It’s always been kept quiet about where that comes from, but the program just got an incredible boost from the generosity of islander Jerry Inskeep, who passed away this year.

This is major. This is huge.

Here’s the press release from the Community Foundation at its Breakfast of Champions Breakfast this morning:

San Juan Island Community Foundation Announces a Major Legacy Gift for local Scholarships

The San Juan Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce a legacy gift from Jerry Inskeep (and family) to support the Foundation’s local scholarship program.  The gift is in the amount of $4,000,000.

“We are saddened by the loss of Jerry Inskeep and overwhelmed by the generosity of this man, whose gift will forever change the educational opportunities for our island’s children,” said Charles Anderson, chair.

Jerry was a resident of San Juan Island.  He graduated from Yale University in 1953 and went on to co-found Oregon’s first mutual fund company which he built into one of the country’s most reputable investment firms.  He was an avid skier, enjoyed tennis, bridge, golf and managing the design and construction of his homes.  He received great pleasure from helping others and provided education opportunities through scholarships for students in Oregon, California, Connecticut and Washington states.

Bev Tietjen, Foundation board member, said, “As chair of the scholarship committee I had the pleasure to work with Jerry as he ‘paid it forward’, establishing scholarships awarded to many of our San Juan Island graduates.  Jerry was also a very dear friend.  When he graduated from high school without the funds to proceed on to college, a gentle man stepped up and helped him fulfill his dream and changed his life.  Jerry’s hope was to make that kind of difference in other’s lives and I am proud to say he has done just that.  Because of his kindness, his legacy will continue on in perpetuity.”

The Community Foundation supports island nonprofits working in the areas of Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness and Community.  The Foundation hosts a number of scholarship funds and makes grants for education from preschool through college.

For more information on the Community Foundation’s Scholarship programs or the Legacy Gift Program, please contact Susan Matthews at 378-1001 or visit the office at The Technology Center, Suite 104,   Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA.

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