Bernard DelGiorno, AB’54, AB’55, MBA’55

Why I give to the University of Chicago

I consider myself fortunate to have attended the University of Chicago, to have gotten a fine education, and in the process made many lifelong friendships. The University of Chicago is a great institution. To stay great and maintain its mission in this competitive world it needs resources. In the words of Chicago's first Mayor Daley: "We don't back no losers." To keep the University a "winner," endowment additions are an absolute necessity.

While the University has made great progress in securing resources for student financial aid, building maintenance, strengthening faculty, and construction of new facilities, much remains to be done. Living as close as I do to the campus, I am able to observe some of the campus improvements and remaining needs. I feel an obligation to support it so that other students may get the benefit of the Chicago experience and the University will continue to provide the climate for great intellectual and scientific discoveries.

How I support the University

I play an active volunteer role in the College Visiting Committee and other alumni groups. I've been involved in a number of affinity group activities as an alumnus, including president of the Graduate Order of the "C," president of my fraternity's Graduate Board, chair of several class reunions, and now Emeritus Alumni Chair. I also serve on a number of committees to recruit students and to raise funds for the Gerald Ratner Athletic Center. I have long felt that the University needed to expand the social, athletic, and recreational facilities and programs on campus. As a regular user of the athletic facilities and an attendee at varsity and Intramural sport events, I perceive these as areas of particular need.

Throughout my professional career, I employed dozens of University of Chicago students in summer jobs in the steel mills and part-time internships in the financial services industry, providing these students with both useful income and "real world" job experiences.

I began contributing financially to the Century Club shortly after graduation. In addition, I have contributed regularly to the College Dean's Fund, the Graduate School of Business, the President's Fund, and the University's capital campaigns. The majority of my financial support and energies, however, have been directed toward improving Chicago's athletic facilities.

Interesting experiences at Chicago

I had some great professors as an undergraduate. Classes were exciting. I was a varsity gymnast and performed in Acrotheatre and was active in my fraternity. Receiving my Order of the "C" blanket in 1954 from Amos Alonzo Stagg at the Inter-Fraternity Sing in Hutchinson Court was especially memorable.

Graduating three times in Rockefeller Chapel made a lasting impression, as did attending a donor recognition dinner in the Chapel last May as it celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Recently, a reception in my honor was held on the Observation Deck of the Ratner Athletic Center, followed by dinner at the President's House. Every opportunity to hear a faculty member speak or lecture is an exciting experience for me. Reunions are always fun and I have never missed one.

Community activities

In 1968, I purchased a home on Woodlawn Avenue and became a permanent Hyde Park resident. Since then, I have been involved in a number of campus and community activities, including serving on the boards of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club and the Chicago Child Care Society. I also support the Hyde Park Historical Society, Court Theatre, The Quadrangle Club, and Hyde Park Art Fair. I have hosted receptions in my home and backyard for a number of community fund-raising events.