JANE RYAN (DGE’55, CAS’57) still remembers when she finished her final exam at BU: January 22, 1957—the launch date for a long, happy teaching career and an affection for BU that has underpinned nearly 45 years of consistent giving. Annual gifts like hers help form the bedrock of the University.

“BU gave me a lot,” Ryan says. “I learned so much there, made many good friends, and learned how to respect learning—which is probably why I became a teacher. And for that, I felt it was important to give something back, to help younger people.” Ryan’s early gifts to BU went to the Area of Greatest Needs Fund; today, she designates her gifts to CAS. “The College knows best where these funds are most needed,” she says.

Ryan originally came to BU as a transfer student. She enrolled in BU’s Division of General Education and later in the College of Liberal Arts (now CAS), although many friends were attending the BU School of Education and preparing for their student teaching assignments. “I wanted that, too, but felt it was too late to change schools; I had already changed from another school to BU, so I stayed put and earned a degree in history.” That didn’t stop her from building a life and a career as an elementary school teacher in her hometown of Webster, Massachusetts.

The importance of education—first for herself, and then for others—tells the story of Ryan’s career, and of her giving to BU. “I know that today so many need financial assistance,” she says. “I wanted to be part of the response to that.”

Please visit bu.edu/cas/impactx2 or contact Steve Kean, chief advancement officer, at 617-358-1214 to learn more about giving to CAS.