Family and opportunity are important words for Donald Perry ’62. That’s why he has committed $1 million, in his family’s honor, to make sure other students have the same opportunity he was given through scholarship.
"The Randolph-Macon Awards Scholarship was the only way I could afford to enroll," says Perry. “Ever since then, I’ve wanted to give back both with time and financial gifts. This commitment demonstrates my confidence in the future of Randolph- Macon and President Lindgren.” That scholarship allowed Perry to study economics and play on the football team as both center and linebacker. But he has a soft spot in his heart for the library where he worked to earn money. He helped pack up the books when the library moved, from what is now Peele Hall, to its present location.
"Everyday, I packed my car full of banana boxes," remembers Perry. "I packed the library books in the banana boxes and then the fraternity brothers would come and take the boxes to the new library."
This was an important part of Perry’s life at R-MC, since he married while still in school and he and his wife began to have children. His wife became sick and passed away at an early age, but he credits her with supporting his desire to complete his education.
"The future of individuals is based on a good education, especially in our society today," says Perry. "Randolph- Macon creates a well rounded person upon graduation."
Perry owns Continental Properties Corporation, a commercial real estate company in Virginia Beach. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at R-MC. Perry has remarried and continues to enjoy a close knit family. He is proud that his four children earned college degrees, and he is equally pleased that the first of his eight grandchildren will enter college in the fall.
"This financial commitment is given under the Perry family trust. It not only demonstrates my love for R-MC, but also that of my wife, Anne, and my children and grandchildren."
His $1 million gift will support an endowed scholarship for students, the R-MC Athletic Endowment and provide critical support for the McGraw-Page Library. All three areas are very important to Perry. He hopes this commitment will inspire other R-MC graduates to give back to their alma mater.