Why I Give
Supporters of Empire State College are passionate about why they give. Read the stories behind their gifts.
From a young age, Corey Niswender ‘13 learned the value of philanthropy and giving back to the community. His current role as Vice President, Private Banking Office Manager at Cambridge Trust enables him to connect with local non-profits, advocate for the community and cultivate the philanthropic ideals instilled in him as a child.
Althea Luehrsen is a double alumna, with degrees from the Niagara Frontier Center and the School for Graduate Studies. She currently is Executive Director of Leadership Buffalo and owner of Strategic Solutions Group.
Lawrence Doyle ’94 is the founder of two finance companies, Kinetics Asset Management, which later became Horizon Kinetics, and Katierich Asset Management, where Doyle, who is semi-retired, still serves as co-founder and managing director.
Christopher Feeley ’86 knows a thing or two about being flexible. He spent his childhood on the road with his family – his dad was an auditor for Shell Oil Co. – living in 13 different places by the time he was in fifth grade.
Alumna and member of the Alumni/Student Federation Board of Governors Mary Raymond '99, '04 had a distinguished career of working in the military, for the U.S. Secret Service and for the Department of Homeland Security.
More than 100 individuals and organizations have established endowed and annually-funded scholarships.
Jawana Richardson
"I've gained some fantastic opportunities through ESC. I give because ESC is a unique institution. Their flexible learning arrangements, the opportunity to gain credit for prior learning experience and the ability to customize my degree made it easy for me to achieve my degrees later on in life. Now I'm pursuing my MBA! I feel like I am winning, so I'm paying it forward so others can win too!"
Jawana Richardson '16, '18