Kricker Leaves a Legacy at Shawnee State

     For three generations, members of the Kricker family have been active in the Portsmouth community, leading by example through their volunteerism and participation in civic works of benefit to the region.

     With a major contribution to Shawnee State University, the third and last generation has taken steps to ensure the Kricker name will continue to be associated with service to the community.

     Retired businessman Jim Kricker has pledged $1.25 million to Shawnee State University’s Poised for Tomorrow capital campaign. This gift is in addition to the $1.8 million Kricker donated in 1996, cementing his status as the largest individual donor in Shawnee State’s history.

     Considering Shawnee State’s impact on the region, Kricker said his reasons for continuing to support the university are obvious.

     “The University is so great for our community and area. It promotes educational opportunities for people who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to go to college. And Shawnee State is educating people for the kind of jobs we need for economic expansion. With this gift, I can help educate those students.”

      Kricker has chosen a variety of gift options for his philanthropy to Shawnee State. His first major contribution was in the form of a charitable remainder trust, which allows individuals to receive payments from the designated funds during their lifetime, leaving Shawnee State the ultimate beneficiary.

     For his gift to Poised for Tomorrow Kricker made a pledge, which he plans to fulfill by making Shawnee State the beneficiary of various retirement accounts. Both these strategies allow Kricker to continue enjoying the benefits of his assets not to mention providing substantial tax saving opportunities.

     Susan Warsaw, executive director of development at SSU, explained that knowing Kricker’s wishes now is a tremendous benefit to the university.

     “Happily, Jim informed us of this gift so we can count it toward the campaign total and make future plans for its use,” Warsaw said. “Most importantly, it allows us to personally thank Jim for this wonderful gift.”

     Shawnee State University president Rita Rice Morris noted the campus is fortunate to have such a loyal supporter.

     “Jim Kricker’s generosity speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. He cares deeply about this community and he wants to see it continue to grow and prosper.”

     Frank Waller, the Poised for Tomorrow general co-chair, said Kricker sets a good example for his peers. “My wife, Janis, and I have learned from Jim how worthwhile it is to commit to a charity you believe in. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for many years and he is truly one of the community’s best friends and supporters.”

     Kricker said he believes that it is important for people to give back. “If we are fortunate in our talents, we are obliged to share them. By the same token, if we are blessed with the capacity, we have a moral obligation to be generous.”

     And Kricker adds that giving is truly better than receiving. “The real pleasure is in the giver. It makes me happier than anyone else.”

     Poised for Tomorrow is a $12 million capital campaign to support a broad array of campus initiatives, including undergraduate research, new technologies, specialized studies, faculty development, scholarships, enhanced clinical experiences and an enhanced quality of life for the region.