Donor Stories

The Power of Kindness: Jack Schramm ’53 Paid It Forward Through a Bequest Provision

When Jack Schramm ’53 set his sights on attending a prestigious east coast university, the dream seemed out of reach. His family could not afford the tuition, and he had already missed the scholarship deadline. Then, in an extraordinary act of quiet generosity, Thomas DePew ’38 paid for Jack’s first year at Colgate — an investment that launched a lifetime of service.

Now, seven decades later, Jack honored that gift with a planned commitment through a pooled income fund (a life-income gift that Colgate manages, similar to a gift annuity, which will continue to make lifetime payments to his wife) plus a bequest, ensuring that future students benefit just as he once did.

That single act of generosity from DePew changed everything. Jack thrived at Colgate, majoring in political science and building a career in public service that spanned decades and continents. “Tom was in every sense a hero to me,” Jack recalled. “He never told me he had ‘invested’ in me, but that’s what it was.”

At Colgate, Jack embraced every available opportunity. He served as Student Body President and Class President, was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, studied abroad in Mexico, and joined the Washington, D.C., Study Group. It was there that Professor Robert Elder entrusted him with leadership roles in the Model U.N.

“My educational experience at Colgate opened doors to opportunities of real consequence throughout my career,” Jack said. “I have a deep loyalty to Colgate for equipping me so well for my profession.”

After earning his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Jack became a lawyer, a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, a regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and an international development counsel. Over 40 years he worked in 25 countries, drafting laws and lecturing on democracy, governance, and environmental protection.

Jack reflected on the pivotal role Colgate played in his life — and on the generosity that made it possible. “My bequest provision is a pay-it-forward moment for me — honoring both Colgate’s scholarship programs and Tom DePew’s personal gift that allowed me to attend in the first place,” Jack explained.

Seventy years after his graduation, Jack marveled at Colgate’s growth and vision. “The paths forward chosen by Colgate and led by President Brian W. Casey have been brilliant,” he said. “Colgate’s rising national rankings reflect this growth, and it makes me proud.”

For Jack, it all came back to gratitude. “Colgate is important to me for so many reasons,” he said. “I will always be grateful for the generosity of others who made it possible for me to be here.”

Jack passed away on March 13, 2026.

The discussion herein is general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. Prospective donors are urged to consult their personal tax and financial advisors concerning the specific consequences of making gifts to Colgate. We would be pleased to discuss, in confidence, ways in which you may support Colgate. These measures may also have an impact on your estate planning.