Couple endows math professorship, scholarships

The gift from James L. and Judy Bailey of New Canaan was announced at the University April 1.

The couple's cash contribution of $500,000 will be split three ways, with $250,000 allocated for creation of an endowed professorship in mathematics education in the College of Arts and Sciences; $125,000 for endowment of a scholarship for students in the College of Education and Human Development, and another $125,000 for an endowed scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The remaining $500,000, a deferred gift through the Baileys' estate, will benefit the same three areas at the same levels, according to BGSU Development Director Marcia Latta, an associate vice president for University advancement. "

Jim and Judy Bailey's gift will allow creation of an endowed professorship in a critical area that also is a real strength in the college and meets a pressing social need," Dr. Don Nieman, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, pointed out. He added that the endowed scholarships provide "a wonderful opportunity to recruit high-achieving students and help students realize their dream of a college education."

Dr. Josué Cruz, dean of Bowling Green's College of Education and Human Development, agreed with those sentiments. "

We are very grateful to the Baileys for choosing to endow this scholarship, as well as for the support they have provided on an annual basis to our students in the past. The fact that this new scholarship is renewable provides a great incentive for the recipients to work hard and do well academically in order to continue to receive the award," Cruz said. "The Baileys will impact many students in the years to come by providing them with the opportunity to attend Bowling Green State University, an opportunity that, for many of them, would not be possible without this type of financial support."

A banking executive, James Bailey graduated from Bowling Green in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. While an undergraduate, he was a teacher's assistant for mathematics professor Frank Ogg and was active in student groups, including Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society. He went on to earn a master's degree in mathematics from New York University in 1970.

Bailey spent 28 years of his career at Citibank, where he managed its North American Consumer Bank and Credit Card business. Shortly after retiring as Citibank's executive vice president in 2000, he accepted his present position as executive vice president of U.S. Trust's Product Management Group. He currently serves on the board of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, the advisory board of the College of Arts & Sciences at New York University, the board of visitors of the Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the Bowling Green State University Foundation Board.

(Posted April 01, 2004 )