Turyburys’ Life Insurance Gift Will Support Scholarships and More

Sheila and David Turybury ’90

When it was time for Leicester, N.Y., native David Turybury ’90 to choose a college, it came down to Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland. Cortland was $1,000 less expensive, and he received a scholarship. Because David was paying tuition on his own, these factors made Cortland his top choice.

In the physical education department, he became certified as a coach and worked on a committee to adjust curriculum. Now retired after a career of more than 30 years as a coach and health and physical educator, David and his wife Sheila are giving back to Cortland with a gift of a new life insurance policy with the College as the owner.

“It was beneficial to work with the development team to identify a future gift of $500,000 that will help support the campus community,” David says. “By making the premium payments directly to the Cortland College Foundation, we receive tax benefits while also meeting our philanthropic goals.”

The Turyburys’ support will be spread across scholarships, undergraduate research and faculty development. In memory of Sheila’s grandmother — an immigrant from Ireland — the scholarship will support first- and second-generation students. David and Sheila feel they were called to assist future Red Dragons. “We want to help kids in the same situation I was in,” David says, “and to support those in financial need. If you’re in a position to help, you should. Students come out with less debt, and it may inspire them to give back too.”

David and Sheila encourage all friends of SUNY Cortland to consider the legacy they might leave to benefit future generations. “It’s possible to give at a reasonable cost,” David concludes. “You can create a legacy of giving and helping long after you are gone. Your kids and grandkids can see the example you set.”