George L. Cogar recalled the help he received
from professors during his days as an undergraduate student
at Eastern Michigan University in the 1970s. Today, Cogar
is giving back to students that were much like he was then
— those in need of additional finances to complete their
education.
Cogar and his wife, Darlene Shaw, have made
a $1 million planned gift to benefit future students with
financial need. Cogar, originally from Saline, Mich., earned
a bachelor's degree with honors in 1974 and a master's
degree in guidance and counseling from EMU in 1977.
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GIVING BACK: Eastern Michigan University
alumnus
George L. Cogar (above, right) and his wife, Darlene
Shaw (seated), bequeathed a $1 million planned gift
to EMU to be used for future EMU students who have
financial need. Cogar, a clinical fauclty member in the
department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at
the Medical University of South Carolina, spoke with
fondness about his time as a student at EMU during a
press conference in Welch Hall Aug. 11. Sen. Carl
Levin (D-Mich.), seated (far left), attended and
provided comment. |
"This is a wonderful gift and
it validates the important work of EMU and the history
of providing working students an outstanding and practical
education," EMU President Susan Martin said during
an Aug. 11 press conference in Welch Hall to announce the
gift. "This
gift will provide university-wide scholarships to students
who would otherwise be unable to attend college or have
a hard time affording an education. George's efforts to
get reacquainted with EMU and invest time and his personal
commitment are wonderful."
The planned gift from Cogar and Shaw represents the third
commitment of more than $1 million announced at EMU during
the past seven months.
"Eastern has historically provided an outstanding education
to thousands of students who, like myself, come from working-class
backgrounds. This institution prides itself on nourishing
hard-working young people who have a hunger for knowledge," Cogar
said. "Now in particular, is not an easy time to go to
college. Many students face extreme financial challenges
to pursue their goals which, in the end, greatly benefit
our society. Eastern also has become a fine research university
and is producing wonderful scholars who will assume vital
roles for Michigan and the nation."
Cogar said his experiences as an EMU student and his observations
of EMU during the last year led to his decision to bequeath
the $1 million gift.
"I was absolutely amazed at the dedication of the core
faculty to this university," he said. "When I saw the interaction
between faculty and students, it really, really warmed
my heart."
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Cogar formerly was a supervisory
psychologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and
is currently a clinical faculty member in the Department
of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University
of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., where his wife,
Darlene Shaw, is a professor in the College of Medicine.
The couple reside in Charleston, S.C.
Cogar obtained his doctorate from the University of Michigan
and did post-doctoral study in clinical psychology and
neuropsychological assessment under the renowned Aaron
Smith at the University of Michigan Medical School. Later
positions included founder and general partner of Behavioral
Associates of the Carolinas, and partner and director of
Behavioral Medicine at the Carolina Spine Institute. Cogar's
research interests include investigating the effects of
childhood psychological trauma as they relate to post-operative
spine surgery outcome. Cogar also has served as a forensic
expert in psychology in many civil and criminal cases in
multiple jurisdictions, including the death-penalty sentencing
phase.
"I hope all alumni, faculty and friends of EMU will see
that superb progress has been made here and give back.
My wife and I have always felt that, those who can, have
an obligation to those who cannot," Cogar said.
Shawn Yost, a senior from Shepherd, encouraged Cogar to
return to EMU and talk to students about his successes.
Cogar said that he would.
"It helps us connect more with the university," Yost said.
"I believe that if there is ever a time for our alumni
to signal to the state the relevance of EMU, it is right
now," said Roy Wilbanks, vice chair of the EMU Board of
Regents. "It is the contributions of alumni and friends
that make a significant difference in the lives of the
students at EMU." — Ron
Podell and Krystin Jarrell contributed to this report.
