A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
| The University of New Mexico |
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A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
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By Jennifer K. Roberts
Like the colorful, striated rock formations that adorn the Southwest, the many-layered gifts to UNM create an educational monument that is beautiful, solid and lasting. Recent gifts of $100,000 from Professor Ernest Rich and his wife Mary Penix Rich have added several more layers, helping UNM's Earth and Planetary Science program and some graduate students at Anderson Schools of Management (ASM). The Riches were participants in the UNM landscape in the late '30s and early '40s; now their generosity now sets "in stone" their places in UNM's history. How the lives of a boy born and reared in New York state and the daughter of the owner of the Corona (New Mexico) Trading Company found each other is another example of the creation of something beautiful, solid and long lasting. Mary was attending UNM. Ernest had joined what was then called the U.S. Air Corps and, as a member of the ground crew, was stationed at Kirtland Air Force base in Albuquerque. Like a scene out of a wartime Hollywood movie, shortly before Mary received her bachelor's degree in economics and business administration in 1942, she and Ernest met and fell in love at a USO dance in Albuquerque. They married in 1943, and their relationship is still rock solid. Mary went to work full time as an accountant for UNM's registrar office while Ernest earned his bachelor's degree in geology and business administration. "If it had not been for the GI Bill," Ernest says, "I would not have been able to go to college."
As a student, Ernest worked part time for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in an office on the UNM campus. After completing his master's degree, full-time work for the USGS took Mary and him to a number of different geographical settings around the United States. But, according to Ernest, "When the USGS wanted to send me to Kentucky, I said 'no' and quit." Instead, he became a professor of geology at Stanford University. Ernest and Mary eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Recently, when they prepared to sell their home and move into a retirement community, they realized how large the capital gains taxes were going to be. They decided to make a gift to their respective schools at UNM both to reduce taxes and to give back to their alma mater. Two non-endowed gifts of $50,000 will help fund scholarships for business graduate students and the geology chair's discretionary fund. "We have no children, no kinfolk, and UNM sounded like a good place to use the money," they comment. When the Riches were establishing their gifts to UNM, Ernest mentioned what a coincidence it was that Dr. Leslie McFadden, chair of Earth and Planetary Sciences, had been one of Ernest's students at Stanford. Each thought the other would not remember him. "I remember Les was an archaeology student," reflects Ernest. "We had long talks about archaeology and geology. I think I would recognize him if I saw him." Likewise, McFadden would recognize Ernest. "He was a very tall, good natured and outgoing fellow, very energetic in class with a good sense of humor," he recalls. "It is so typical of a guy like Ernie to remember one student. He played a role in my decision to stay with geology, so it was a great delight to hear that Ernest had been a UNM alumnus and professor."
A happy coincidence, the student has come to teach where his professor was taught, and the professor and his wife are continuing to add to the strata of UNM by helping students and programs achieve their full potential through their philanthropy. "I hope it helps some students through school, or allows the department to get some equipment they need," explains Ernest. "The money is for Leslie to use as he sees fit, and I know that he will use it wisely." "It is overwhelming to be a recipient of the great generosity of these two alumni, and to know that they feel so very good about the education and experiences they received from UNM," comments McFadden. "It struck me that Ernest and Mrs. Rich were so willing to share what they have. It is an honor and an unexpected windfall for the geology department." In light of Mary's interest in business, the Riches divided their gift between Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Anderson Schools of Management. ASM Constituent Development Officer Shawn Shepherd echoes the gratitude. "We are very grateful for the long-term support of alumni who realize that scholarship dollars are very important to UNM students,' she said. "Year after year, our ability to attract the best and brightest graduate candidates, as well as provide opportunities to students who face personal financial challenges, is reliant upon our funding support. This gift will make a graduate education possible for more than one of our Anderson Schools students and we deeply appreciate the Rich's commitment." UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Spring 2001
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