In his own words, Ron describes why he is Empowering the Dream:

My family’s love for the University of Memphis stretches over several decades and is rooted in the institution’s commitments to its people… employees, students and alumni. My mother and grandmother did not have the opportunity to attend college, but they loved this University nonetheless and made sure that their children and grandchildren were infused with a strong desire to seek a college education.

My grandmother, Annie Crawford, was a longtime Tiger fan, back to the days of Larry Finch and the Bartow era. Two of the most exciting and proud moments in her life were connected to the University. The first one was when I told her that I had been employed by the University. The second was the dedication of the new University Center, though unfortunately she did not see it completed. The dedication was in February and she died in March.

Giving back to the University through the Planned Giving program, I feel, is a fitting way to honor the memory of my mother and my grandmother who so loved this institution and the educational opportunities it provided. For sure, by paying forward today through planned giving we can and will benefit so many in the future.

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