Geisinger Family Bequest

Russell and Harriet Geisinger were long-time devoted supporters and benefactors of Kent State University at Tuscarawas. Russell served on the Tuscarawas County University Branch District Board of Trustees and Harriet was a member of the campus’ Chestnut Society. Prior to the death of Russell in 2010, at the age of 84, and Harriet in January 2016, at the age 89, they ensured the continuation of their support through a bequest from their estate to Kent State Tuscarawas.

“Russell and Harriet Geisinger had been ongoing donors and active in the campus community,” said Dr. Bradley A. Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer. “With this generous bequest, they are creating an enduring legacy to our Tuscarawas County University Foundation. Following their wishes, we have established an endowment in their names to be allocated for capital improvement projects. The gift, in excess of $600,000, demonstrates their belief in Kent State Tuscarawas and the tremendous respect they had for our mission. They understood the vital importance of local availability of a high-quality education and state-of-the industry learning environments.” 

Russell Geisinger served from 1986-1999 as a board member of the Tuscarawas County University Branch District Board of Trustees, who own the campus.

“The campus community is proud to have had Russ’ wisdom and guidance as a member of the Board of Trustees for 13 years, as well as Harriet’s membership in the Chestnut Society, which supports various campus initiatives, especially student scholarships,” said Doug Ross, president of Romig Insurance Agency, Inc. and president of the Tuscarawas County University Foundation. “We are truly grateful for each of their campus affiliations, both impacting the growth and success of the campus. We are also grateful for their bequest which is a transformative gift to the campus, making a positive impact on academic initiatives and the upgrade of facilities and equipment.”

Russell was an active and well respected community member, serving on many board of directors. He was employed by Greer Steel for 15 years, serving as the president for 13 years. He also served on the company’s board of directors, a position he retained even after his retirement from the company in 1988.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College and attended Notre Dame University’s V-12 program as a member of the United States Navy, receiving his commission on July 4, 1948.

An accomplished athlete, Harriet earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at Kent State University. She taught physical education at Ashland High School for three years and was a faculty member at Ashland University for 10 years.  

For more information about planned giving and other donor opportunities at Kent State Tuscarawas, contact Chad Conrad, director of development, at 330-308-7445 or cconra1@kent.edu

 

 

POSTED: Friday, August 5, 2016 01:41 PM
Updated: Saturday, December 3, 2022 01:02 AM