Stories
Behind the Why is the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association's Q&A series that takes a deeper dive into the donors and stories that make up our Coyote community. This week's donors are Russ and Kathryn Cranston of Newport Beach, California. Supporters of student scholarships and equal opportunities, the pair established the Russ & Kathryn Cranston Scholarship Endowment in 2016. Read on to understand the "why" behind their support and what role USD has played in their lives.
Tell me about your connection to USD.
I enrolled at USD due to the excellent political science department. I had planned on being an attorney and I thought that a political science degree was a good major to have for law. As it turned out, I decided against going to law school, but really enjoyed a wide variety of courses in the Political Science department. At the time, Dr. Farber led the department and he did an excellent job of supporting and encouraging students. As I look back, I really got more integrated at USD and with other students once I joined a fraternity. Our freshman fraternity class had 45 students and over time, we got to know each other well. That then got me interested in the Volante and I eventually became the editor.
I learned a great deal about the running of USD in that position. It was a combination of a great education with all professors, along with the Volante and my association with a fraternity that really helped develop me as a person.
Additionally, I met my wife of 50 years at USD. Kathryn and I got married the fall after I graduated and have since had an interesting life together, living in seven cities since our time in Vermillion.
What was the inspiration behind starting the Russ & Kathryn Cranston Scholarship Endowment?
Our initial interest in helping students on a greater level came about from attending a number of alumni get-togethers over the last 30 years. After getting to know many of the great leaders and teachers who attended those sessions, we felt we could do more. Matt Moen, the former dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, was a key factor in our making a commitment. James W. Abbott, the former USD president, is the visionary who helped us feel comfortable with the school's goals and mission.
After we decided we wanted to do more, it was a very easy process of talking over various options with the Foundation, making sure they aligned with how we felt we could help USD.
Why is philanthropy important to you?
Attending USD was a critical factor in my personal and professional success. We want more students to be able to attend USD and to grow from that experience. We have confidence in USD's ability to do a stellar job in learning and helping students grow as people at this crucial time of development.
What what you like to tell people about starting the giving process?
There are great experts at the USD Foundation that can advise on best practices in giving and let you decide what the best path is for you moving forward. This is a personal decision that will outlast us. By establishing an endowment, your legacy of giving will last! There is tremendous satisfaction in knowing we are helping develop great students and people. After visiting USD this summer, we are even more convinced USD is a leading university with committed faculty and staff.
Getting involved is as simple as a phone call to the USD Foundation, and having a conversation about how you can make a difference. Don't wait! Make the call - the students deserve it.
What do you hope to accomplish through your continued involvement with USD?
Alumni are a vital part of the solution. We can impact lives by giving. Even aside from funds, being an integral and involved alumni will teach our students that we value them, the school, and the way of life USD helped us achieve. We are part of a big family of USD students - and we always will be.