Gerald Ronkin: Giving Made Easy

Gerry Ronkin’s father owned a printing company in Woodmere Long Island, the town where Gerry grew up. Along with a fierce work ethic, his father taught him the value of giving back to the community. “Our house was filled with plaques on the walls from companies thanking my father for his philanthropy,” recalls Gerry. “He never said ‘no’ to any charitable organization that asked him to print their marketing materials. That included the local hospital, our synagogue, and a long list of community nonprofits. It was his way to give back. He showed me how giving added meaning to his life. When I grew up, I was determined to follow in his footsteps.”

He clearly has. Gerry, who serves as the Jewish community liaison for Robert Toale Sons Funeral Home, recently extended his own philanthropic giving to New College. Although he’s committed to several area nonprofits, this is his first gift to New College.

What inspired him?

Gerry credits some recent “close encounters” with New College, thanks in part to his good friend, Sue Jacobson, who serves as president of the New College Foundation’s board of directors. After hearing President Donal O’Shea speak at an event, Gerry was hungry to know more. During his time as executive director of Temple Beth Sholom, Gerry discovered that the organization’s information technology specialist was a New College alum. “I was deeply impressed by his depth of knowledge and zeal for passing it on. He had a real fire in his belly. I asked where he got it, and he credited New College—and now I was even more curious!” Ultimately, thanks to Sue Jacobson, Gerry became involved with New College’s Daughters for Life scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities for promising women from Middle Eastern countries regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.

“New College is a local educational institution with a global reach,” says Gerry. “The more I got involved, the more I wanted to give back.”

Gerry’s gift took the form of a charitable gift annuity, which provides the donor a fixed income stream for life. He made sure his gift was unrestricted. Why? “After fundraising for various organizations for more than 30 years, I know how important flexibility to utilize funds can be for any institution.”

Gerry adds that this form of giving also benefits him. “Through the charitable gift annuity, I receive tax-free income for the rest of my life. Since I’m just about to turn 75—that could be for many more years. It’s really a win-win situation.”

As New College becomes more integral to his life, Gerry hopes to become even more involved.

“There aren’t many places like New College—anywhere! For nearly 60 years, New College alumni have made a profound impact on their communities and the world. Thanks to the college’s forward-thinking educational philosophy, New College graduates enter the workforce with a strong foundation of skills and an unquenchable curiosity. I’m just happy to be a small part of helping our students stop worrying about affording college—and set their minds free for lives of great achievement.”