Larry O'Rourke, BA'65

When Larry enrolled in the College of Business Administration, he never envisioned the considerable impact it would have on his world. Like many of his fellow classmates, it was the university's cooperative learning program that afforded him the opportunity to attend college. Larry credits his co-op at United Art Company with shaping his career interests in business merchandising, and he quickly moved up the ranks to positions that offered greater leadership experiences. These roles strengthened Larry's personal and professional skills and helped to build his ever-growing Northeastern community.

As Larry's Husky network expanded, so did his love for Northeastern. "Northeastern is like a family," he shares. His enthusiastic attendance at athletic events, his volunteer leadership on the university's governing board, and his generous philanthropic commitments are expressions of his steadfast dedication to Northeastern. Initially, Larry's charitable interests inspired him to establish a scholarship fund in memory of his late son and Northeastern student, Sean O'Rourke, to support students studying political science. "I think it's important to build the endowment so that hardworking, motivated students have the opportunity to attend Northeastern," Larry shares.

Larry's support of the university today has inspired him to ensure Northeastern's vibrant future for the students of tomorrow. Motivated by the opportunities that Northeastern provided him, Larry decided to additionally support his alma mater by establishing a charitable remainder trust and including the university in his will. "I really want to make sure that I contribute to the future of Northeastern and invest in the generations to come," Larry says. "Many people think they have to be wealthy to leave a future gift to the university, but that's not true at all. We all have to give back in life. Once I took care of my family, I knew I would provide for Northeastern and my other charitable interests."

Larry's gift will ensure that future students have the opportunity to take advantage of a Northeastern education—and to create a Husky family of their own.