Gifts & Gratitude
74 Years of Loyalty and Love
When you think about remarkable streaks, what comes to mind?
Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941? UCLA’s 88 straight wins from 1971-74? Maybe John Dingell’s 59 consecutive years representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives? Or maybe your own Wordle streak?
At Ohio Wesleyan, the epitome of consistent loyalty is Peter Gregory ’48.
Gregory, now a retired economics professor, has given back to Ohio Wesleyan every year since he graduated. That’s right—for 74 straight years (and counting!), Gregory has remembered the impact of Ohio Wesleyan on his life through his annual philanthropy.
“Any assistance one can offer to help others achieve an education is among the most meaningful gifts one can make,” he says.
Originally from upstate New York, Gregory received OWU tuition scholarships that opened opportunities he otherwise would not have had. “I grew up in a poor household and know what lack of income can be like,” says Gregory. In situations like his, “education is not within reach.”
His great appreciation for the help extended to him inspires him to give back each year.
Gregory’s generosity and lifelong commitment to higher education is rooted in his OWU experience.
The generosity of OWU enabled me to finish college, go on to graduate school, and build a career for myself.
“I was there right after World War II, when there were lots of veterans who had been out in the world coming to campus,” says the Albuquerque, New Mexico, resident of more than 50 years.
While on campus, Gregory pledged Alpha Tau Omega, participated in the debate team and orchestra, and was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary societies.
Gregory credits the strong relationships he built with OWU faculty for launching his career in economics. With their encouragement, he pursued graduate studies at Harvard, where he earned master’s and doctorate degrees. He has held faculty positions in the economics departments of the Universities of Minnesota and New Mexico. Gregory had an active career consulting with some 29 governments in Latin America and Africa and is the author of three books and numerous other shorter works as well.
Despite years and miles between him and Delaware, Ohio, Gregory continues to remember Ohio Wesleyan each year with a gift.
“I feel very obligated to those who made life easier for me,” says Gregory, referring to the donor support that made his own scholarship possible, “and wish to make it possible for others to realize the same success that I had.”
When it comes to longevity in general, Gregory chuckles and admits he has no secrets. “Keep active!” he says, and shares that he goes for walks almost daily and still plays chamber music on a regular basis.
“I am very pleased that OWU continues to be a beacon of hope and education for students from all over.”
Thank you, Peter, for your lifelong support of Ohio Wesleyan!
– Makenna D.H. Daniels ’15, associate director of advancement
Donors who support one of Ohio Wesleyan’s Annual Giving Programs for at least three consecutive fiscal years or who set up recurring gifts will be welcomed into the Loyal Bishops Society. The society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends who demonstrate leadership through their sustained support of the university. Through their loyal support, this community of donors sustains Ohio Wesleyan’s ultimate purpose of equipping students with knowledge, competence, and character for leadership, service, and continued learning in a complex and global society.