Kent State University has held a special place in the hearts of Lynda Grieves and her husband George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58, who passed away in 2019. In 1957, Lynda’s mother was taking continuing education courses at Kent State for work, so Lynda decided to take a class as well while on break from school at another university. Lynda signed up for an industrial arts for children course in Van Deusen Hall. This is where she met Bill, who was required to take the course for his major in industrial arts. One day, Bill asked Lynda to go swimming after class, and their love and shared passion for education blossomed.
“Kent State has always been important to us, but over the years, it becomes even more important to you,” Lynda said.
After graduation, Bill and Lynda went on to teach in the Wadsworth City Schools and later in the Akron City Schools. Bill taught industrial arts, and Lynda taught fourth and fifth grades before transitioning to a role as principal.
For their 60th wedding anniversary, Bill and Lynda chose to create a scholarship through a charitable gift annuity instead of having a party. This is a gift of cash or property that can provide a donor with a secure source of fixed payments for life. After that, they began giving an annual gift in support of the scholarship so that they could see the impact it has on students, a tradition that Lynda has continued. She has also made a generous bequest in support of the scholarship.
“If you are fortunate like us, giving back is a way to support people who may not have a support system like yours,” Lynda explained. “We saw that firsthand as educators.”
It was their experience teaching that inspired them to support students in the College of Education, Health and Human Services who are the first in their family to attend college. Although neither of them was a first-generation college student, Bill and Lynda knew many students during their careers who were – or would have been if given the opportunity.
“If you can give a gift, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have,” Lynda said. “As they do well, they will go on to impact others.”
Image caption: Lynda Grieves and George “Bill” Grieves Jr., ’58