Herrick Society Stories
Lead Trust Spurs Golf Teaching and Learning Center
When Dr. Emilio D. Ferrara and his wife, Margaret, talk about their decision to support the Golf Teaching and Learning Center, they mention friendships, their connection to the university and Kent communities, and their wish to support a program that is often less recognized than other varsity sports.
When asked if they realize that their gift represents the first charitable lead trust in the history of Kent State, they say that being ‘first' was never a primary motive in their decision. Em clarifies, "We wanted to support the program in a meaningful way, and Joe Macedo suggested the charitable lead trust as a good solution—which it was."
Save the eight years he spent in graduate school, Em has lived in Kent all his life. When he established his oral surgery practice here, it was a place where Cleveland-born Margaret was glad to raise their six children. Their close association with the university was a natural extension of their lives, given their involvement in the community and Em's ties as a 1959 Kent State graduate.
A life-changing turning point came 27 years ago, when Em and two other physicians bought Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna. Windmill Lakes, annually ranked as one of the best courses in Ohio, is home base for the Kent men's and women's golf teams. Although Em and Margaret claim to be only the most amateur of golfers, they had the wisdom to ask Herb Page to become involved with their Windmill Lakes venture.
The result was more than just camaraderie between Em and Margaret and Herb and his wife, Paula Treckel. With Herb serving as head coach for the Kent State men's golf team—and Mike Morrow leading the women's golf effort—a truly top-notch program evolved. That fact and their friendship were pivotal considerations in the Ferrara's decision to significantly support Kent State's golf program. "Herb runs a class ship with all of his students," says Em. "His golfers have a very high graduation rate, and they usually rank in the top two or three academically out of all of Kent's student athletes." Margaret adds that Herb's "consistent and fair discipline" has earned him the affection of his teams throughout the years. In their eyes, Mike Morrow is cut from the same piece of cloth.
"People say, ‘why don't you give to basketball'?" says Em."And we do support that program and enjoy it. After all, I played basketball while I was a Kent student. But golf doesn't always get the same recognition or level of financial support as higher profile sports like football, basketball, and baseball." Kent's golf program, while not typically making front-page headlines, is a powerhouse when it comes to achieving great results.
Although Em and Margaret did not want publicity from their gift, they realized that other people might want to know about the wide range of giving vehicles available to them—vehicles designed to help the donor as well as deserving Kent State programs. For example, their gift pays an income stream to the Kent State Golf Program over the next 10 years before reverting back to the Ferrara family, when their five grandchildren will be ready to start college and need their support.
Herrick Society StoriesLead Trust Spurs Golf Teaching and Learning Center
When asked if they realize that their gift represents the first charitable lead trust in the history of Kent State, they say that being ‘first' was never a primary motive in their decision. Em clarifies, "We wanted to support the program in a meaningful way, and Joe Macedo suggested the charitable lead trust as a good solution—which it was." Save the eight years he spent in graduate school, Em has lived in Kent all his life. When he established his oral surgery practice here, it was a place where Cleveland-born Margaret was glad to raise their six children. Their close association with the university was a natural extension of their lives, given their involvement in the community and Em's ties as a 1959 Kent State graduate. A life-changing turning point came 27 years ago, when Em and two other physicians bought Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna. Windmill Lakes, annually ranked as one of the best courses in Ohio, is home base for the Kent men's and women's golf teams. Although Em and Margaret claim to be only the most amateur of golfers, they had the wisdom to ask Herb Page to become involved with their Windmill Lakes venture. The result was more than just camaraderie between Em and Margaret and Herb and his wife, Paula Treckel. With Herb serving as head coach for the Kent State men's golf team—and Mike Morrow leading the women's golf effort—a truly top-notch program evolved. That fact and their friendship were pivotal considerations in the Ferrara's decision to significantly support Kent State's golf program. "Herb runs a class ship with all of his students," says Em. "His golfers have a very high graduation rate, and they usually rank in the top two or three academically out of all of Kent's student athletes." Margaret adds that Herb's "consistent and fair discipline" has earned him the affection of his teams throughout the years. In their eyes, Mike Morrow is cut from the same piece of cloth. "People say, ‘why don't you give to basketball'?" says Em."And we do support that program and enjoy it. After all, I played basketball while I was a Kent student. But golf doesn't always get the same recognition or level of financial support as higher profile sports like football, basketball, and baseball." Kent's golf program, while not typically making front-page headlines, is a powerhouse when it comes to achieving great results. Although Em and Margaret did not want publicity from their gift, they realized that other people might want to know about the wide range of giving vehicles available to them—vehicles designed to help the donor as well as deserving Kent State programs. For example, their gift pays an income stream to the Kent State Golf Program over the next 10 years before reverting back to the Ferrara family, when their five grandchildren will be ready to start college and need their support. |