In Gratitude for Gannon

Jim Ahearn '61 appreciates the time he spent at Gannon and the influence it had on his life. Now he and his wife, Loraine, have chosen to honor the University with a legacy gift.

Jim and Loraine Ahearn consider themselves blessed. They've been happily married for 43 years, raised two terrific children, had rewarding careers and are now enjoying an active retirement. In gratitude for all their blessings, Jim and Loraine have designated a gift for Gannon in their estate plans as a way of giving back to one of the places that helped them get where they are today.

Jim attended Gannon on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1961 with a B.A. in history. He recalls Gannon as a "warm, gentle place" with supportive faculty who really cared. He met many wonderful people at Gannon, some of whom he is still friends with today. Coming from the big city of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jim loved the small, tight-knit community at Gannon, as well as the community of Erie itself.

Making their home in Rochester, N.Y., Jim served 26 years as the president of the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, while Loraine taught special education. They have participated in Gannon alumni events in the Rochester area and returned to Gannon for Jim's 40th class reunion. "I plan to make the fiftieth reunion as well," notes Jim.

Jim feels very fortunate to have been able to go to Gannon, which he couldn't have done without the help of those who made his scholarship possible. Now he wants to help provide similar opportunities for others. "One thing I learned from Gannon is that you take care of your community," Jim says.

Jim and Loraine have made financial contributions to Gannon throughout the years, but they wanted to establish a gift that would reach into the future. Now on a fixed income, they decided that including a bequest for Gannon in their will was the best way to do this. "A deferred gift is a painless, easy way to give back to the school I love," explains Jim. He and Loraine understand that a small percentage of their estate can make a big difference in the lives of future students.