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.
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