Dr. Michael and Rissa Ratner '64: Making Giving Back a Priority
Dr. Michael and Rissa Ratner '64 believe in helping others and giving back. The Ratners are members of the 1870 Society—a group of donors who make a gift to the University through their estate or financial plan. To mark the 52nd anniversary of Rissa's graduation from SU, the Ratners made their gift in the form of a charitable gift annuity, a method where they receive an income for their gift.
The Ratners are proud of their connection to the University, and deeply appreciate the value of an education. Dr. Ratner, a pediatric surgeon, and School of Education alumna Rissa, a teacher, have worked in their chosen fields for more than 40 years. While the field of education has changed in that time, Rissa believes much has stayed the same and that a teacher who motivates and excites a child is pivotal to a student's success.
The impact Rissa has made on generations of students is undeniable; both in her career and in her philanthropy with Syracuse University. Well known in the community, she is frequently spotted by former students, many of them with families of their own. Dr. Ratner says that wherever they go locally, someone is bound to recognize his wife.
Known for their generosity and philanthropy, the Ratner's gift also commemorates Rissa's accomplishments since graduation, and celebrates her love for teaching. "It is my pleasure to give back and I couldn't think of a better way to say thank you for what I have learned at Syracuse University's School of Education," she says.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance. A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13244-5160. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.
