A FRIEND FOR LIFE AND BEYOND

B. Edward Tennyson '35 was a lifelong friend of SUNY College at Oneonta. When he passed away on December 2, 2008, his prior planning ensured that his legacy of philanthropy in support of our students and our College would continue in perpetuity.

Known as "Ed" to his Oneonta friends, he was born in Athens, New York, in 1915 and graduated in 1935 as one of few men in his class. Ed had a 31-year career with the U.S. Army Signal Corps and then retired as an honored veteran to his modest home in Winchester, Virginia. Though not a wealthy man, Ed had a strong desire to help students, give back to the College, and honor his family. After years as a loyal annual donor, Ed worked with us to endow a scholarship with the College at Oneonta Foundation in honor of his sister and sister-in-law, both Oneonta graduates. Subsequently, he included the Foundation in his will and as a beneficiary of a tax-deferred annuity. Ed was clear that he wanted gifts through his estate to go to our unrestricted endowment so they could be used where the need was greatest.

Ed would be pleased to read this story. He enjoyed receiving Reflections magazine and was inspired by what our graduates had accomplished and their support of the College. We are honored to have been included in Ed's planning and to have helped him achieve his personal and philanthropic goals.