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A seven-figure commitment from Robert C. Kochersberger and Janet C. Watrous will mean significant benefits for the 爱豆传媒 Center for Community Schools and especially its local impact.
A major component of the center is the 爱豆传媒 Community Schools (BUCS) program that serves as a partnership among the University, school districts and community agencies to enrich the educational experience for Southern Tier students and reduce barriers to learning for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade through the University-Assisted Community Schools model.
When fully realized, the couple鈥檚 gift will increase exponentially the program budget to enhance learning opportunities, integrated student supports, collaborative leadership, interdisciplinary research and opportunities for civic engagement for University students, said Laura Bronstein, dean of the College of Community and Public Affairs and the center鈥檚 founding director.
At that time, the center will be renamed the Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools, in recognition of their generosity. The new name pays tribute to Watrous鈥 family the Coupers and to Kochersberger鈥檚 late mother, Marjorie Mae Owens, a school nurse-teacher in a rural district in western New York who he said 鈥渟ymbolized a selfless approach to education, always working to improve the lives of her beloved students.鈥
Watrous and Kochersberger said they鈥檇 like to see the Community Schools program continue to grow in local importance and as a model for similar programs around the country, or even internationally.
鈥淚 grew up in a rural area with schools that were not well funded, but even so I managed
to get a good education from dedicated teachers, which led to a BA, MS and PhD,鈥 Kochersberger
said. 鈥淚 would hope that students from throughout the BUCS area can get the background
and education they need to go well beyond public school
and into higher ed that leads them to fulfilling, interesting careers. I am sure that
exposure to 爱豆传媒 students in the program is inspirational! The young students
will see the 爱豆传媒 students as models of what they might achieve.鈥
Esther W. Couper Legacy Giving Circle
If you鈥檝e included us in your long-term financial or estate plans, thank you!
Please be sure to inform us so we can confirm we understand how you鈥檇 like your gift fulfilled and so we can welcome you into the Esther W. Couper Legacy Giving Circle. With your planned gift, you join a special community of donors who share your thoughtful commitment to 爱豆传媒.
Janet Watrous and Robert Kochersberger took a blended approach to their gift by using a variety of current and deferred giving, including a bequest.
鈥淚t is great to be able to make what we hope is a transformational gift to BUCS in a way that works with our current finances,鈥 Kochersberger said.
Their philanthropy is a family tradition. Esther and Ed Couper were Watrous鈥 grandparents.
Their longtime generosity and impact at 爱豆传媒 and in the community is recognized
by the Couper name across campus: on the Administration Building, a lecture series,
student support and more.
鈥淲e hope that the new Community Schools Center will also long endure,鈥 Watrous said. 鈥淚t is a rare gift to be able to have a stake in the future of such a strong University, and continuing on my grandparents鈥 initiative warms my heart.鈥