Ichabods in All We Do

Jerry and Susan Farley expand legacy with generous gift

Susan, h ’23 (left), and Jerry Farley, leaving the office on his final day as president. Photo by Jeremy Wangler

From Bell Tower - 2023
By Annie Flachsbarth

In a world where education is often seen as a privilege, Washburn University President Emeritus Jerry Farley and his wife, Susan, believe it should be a right.

With an unwavering dedication to empowering students and ensuring access to quality education, the Farleys have already made a profound impact in their 25 years at Washburn. As if their decades of service wasn’t proof enough of their passion for education and steadfast belief in Washburn’s mission, on the occasion of his retirement, the couple made a historic parting gesture: they are following in the footsteps of philanthropic trailblazer and university namesake Ichabod Washburn, and announced that they are personally donating more than $2 million to student scholarships.

A Lasting Legacy

In the early 1800’s at the age of 9, Ichabod Washburn left home to serve as an indentured apprentice in a blacksmith shop in Leicester, Massachusetts. Always aiming to grow and secure a better life, he pursued an education – one that led to a strong foundation of knowledge that he applied to a successful career in the iron and steel industry. Ultimately, the success he found allowed him to make significant contributions to causes and organizations across the country, including Washburn.

Much like Ichabod Washburn, the Farleys believe in the transformative power of a college education. But it’s their own experiences that helped them arrive at that decision.

As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Farley witnessed firsthand the impact an education made on his life. Before college, he spent time driving tractors and working on cars on the family farm in South Carolina. He also spent a few years in the military. His decision to go to school caught his family off guard.

“He barely knew what college was,” said Susan. “He accidentally enrolled when he went with his friend who was enrolling. When he went home and told his parents, they were surprised and shocked, but ultimately they helped him do it.”

Now, having spent more than 50 years in higher education, he wants to make sure others have the same opportunities he did.

“It’s important for everyone to realize that we can impact students, particularly first-generation students, through activities like this gift,” said Dr. Farley. “I know, as was the case for me, that for so many potential students all they need is the opportunity. Scholarships give people that opportunity."

Times of Change

While the evidence proves how advantageous a college education can be on an individual’s success, Dr. Farley expressed concerns about the diminishing value placed on formal education.

“Right now, there is a disconcerting thing occurring where many people think you don’t need a high school or college education. But that makes it hard to move up and limits growth potential,” said Dr. Farley. “Post-secondary education in the country is down, but we can change that and significantly impact students – particularly first-generation students – in a big way.

For the Farleys, it’s no secret that the transformative power of a college education enables individuals to pursue fulfilling careers and unlock future opportunities. Their investments in the students of Washburn serve not as charity but as an investment in the future.

“Education enabled us to have very fulfilling careers,” said Susan. “We know what education can do, and we believe in what Washburn does to change lives and enable people to be wonderful citizens in the world. We want to see that keep going.”

“There are many students who see the cost of an education as a barrier,” said Dr. Farley. “They will see what these gifts can do for them – it’s a way to get into college, and a path for where they want to go.”

Once an Ichabod, Always an Ichabod

After 25 years of service, many may wonder why the Farley’s feel it's important to give back when they have both already given so much to the university. As they put it, just because Dr. Farley is now retired doesn't mean they’re no longer Ichabods. In fact, they're still actively involved, planning to be of service when necessary, and planning to go on alumni trips with many of the friends they’ve met over the years.

As a lifelong learner, Susan still audits at least one class each semester. Dr. Farley, serving as president emeritus, is now officially working out of his home office instead of the university’s offices. They’ve slowed down a little to take a few vacations, a well-deserved perk of retirement. But they’ll never stop being agents of change for the power of education – mirroring the spirit of generosity exemplified by Ichabod Washburn himself.

“Ichabod Washburn gave something to every worthy cause that approached him for the last 45 years of his life,” said Susan. “When you start giving, it comes back to you tenfold.”

“And just like he knew he would probably never meet the people his giving was going to help, to him, it was an investment in the future,” said Dr. Farley. “We very much feel like we’re carrying that legacy forward.”

Added Susan: “We’re Ichabods in all we do.”

(At the end of his presidency, Farley left behind his signature bowtie – and millions in scholarships for future Ichabods. Photos by Jeremy Wangler)