The recently established Gerald R. Gill Fund got off to a strong start with a generous pledge from David Rone (LA '84) and his wife Kris.
As a challenge to the rest of the community, Rone, the co-CEO for Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Sports, and his wife will match what others give on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to $25,000.
The fund was created in memory of Gill, who taught history at Tufts for over 25 years until his sudden and unexpected death last month. He was 58.
Rone said that his donation was inspired in part by the connection he forged with Gill while at Tufts.
"I was fortunate enough to have studied under Professor Gill, and while it wasn't an overly close relationship, I probably spent more time in a student-professor relationship with him than I did with anyone else at the university," Rone said.
In that capacity, Rone said he was able to discern the influence that Gill had at Tufts, calling him a "torchbearer for the African-American community."
Rone said he had been considering donating to Tufts for a while. He said that he had been talking with Senior Director of Development for Arts and Sciences Brigette Bryant and Associate Director for Arts and Sciences Christopher Grugan about an appropriate way to give back to the university.
Through the unfortunate circumstances of Gill's death, Rone found a meaningful opportunity.
"When this idea of a fund came up, they came to me and thought it might be an appropriate vehicle for me and my wife," he said.
Grugan said that his office is grateful that Rone accepted the suggestion.
"It's a wonderful pledge, and I think it will be something that motivates others to join him in support of the Gill fund," he said. "I think it's just a really nice way to honor Professor Gill's memory."
In addition, Rone also thinks his gift might prompt others to donate.
"This is a stimulus for other giving throughout the community," he said. "We're trying to raise as much as we can."
There will be a service in Gill's memory today at the Cohen Auditorium at 12:15 p.m.
