Michael O’Reilly’s Gift Annuities Provide Income and Promote Educational Excellence

Michael O’Reilly ’58, M ’63, credits SUNY Cortland with preparing him for a successful and rewarding career as a science educator, which is why he has purchased several Cortland gift annuities and been a consistent donor for many years.

Now that he is retired, Michael’s gift annuities have been an excellent option because they provide an income stream while also supporting Cortland. In thanks for these and other gifts, Cortland has named three endowments for Michael, supporting undergraduate research and student scholarships.

“I have received a whole series of wonderful, heartfelt letters from students,” Michael says.

While a student, Michael’s days were never boring. When he wasn’t studying or working 38 hours a week, you could find him passing the time with friends or playing intramural sports with his five Groton Avenue housemates.

“We had a basketball team that you would never want to watch play,” he says.

As a teacher, Michael’s priorities reflected his desire to promote learning — from mentoring science clubs to encouraging students to become active in their communities. In retirement, Michael has traveled to more than 50 countries, often sending teaching materials back to the places he visited.

Now living on Lake Ontario in Chaumont, New York, Michael encourages fellow alumni with the means to join him in making a planned gift.

“Doing your gift before the end of life returns bonuses to the giver that they can appreciate for the rest of their lives,” he says. “I can’t think of any better feeling than to know that you are doing some good to those that come after you.”