Barbara Galpin Funds Scholarship With Annual IRA Distribution Gifts

Barbara Galpin ’68

Barbara Galpin has stayed involved with SUNY Cortland in many ways since graduating in 1968: attending reunion events, visiting campus to speak with students — and through annual giving. “I wanted to give back to the school that provided me with a career that I loved,” she says.

Now retired after 35 years as a physical education teacher, Galpin uses the required minimum distribution from her IRA to fund the Barbara A. Galpin ’68 Greater Good Scholarship. “I believe in volunteering and helping people all over the world,” Galpin says. “Cortland has a great service-learning program, and that is what I want my name associated with — students who care for others.”

Galpin had a physical education teacher who graduated from Cortland in 1955, and she was influential in Galpin’s decision to attend. “Cortland was well known for its physical education program. I couldn’t play sports, but I wanted to participate. Becoming a physical educator was my way of playing,” says Galpin, who was also a member of the Theta Phi sorority and served in student government.

“I want my money to work in supporting the College now versus waiting until I am gone,” Galpin says. “If you have the ability and do not need the income from an IRA, give it away — why pay taxes on it? Instead, do something with it to honor your legacy at Cortland.”

Galpin hopes the students who receive the scholarship are inspired by the generosity of alumni and are able to reach their goals of helping others.

“Though campus has changed physically, the spirit of Cortland has not changed; the faculty and staff are committed to supporting and educating our students,” Galpin says. “Why not support them and help provide the tools to better do their jobs in educating our future? The College is very worthy of our support.”