Continuing the family tradition

John Spore '64

I'm not the first Spore to make a planned gift to Father Ryan. My mother did it, because she saw what Father Ryan did for me, she knew the help that she received, and she wanted to make sure other students had the same opportunity.

My four years at Father Ryan as a student and my 44 years as a counselor and teacher made me who I am. It strengthened my faith. It allowed me to reach out and help others through the years as a counselor, and I got to know so many amazing people, many of them students of mine who are now sending their children to Father Ryan.

But all of those things represent the past. My planned gift represents the future.

I want to be certain students can come no matter what. I want the school to be available to students who perhaps can't afford it. Father Ryan provides a moral foundation, a tradition built on faith, knowledge and service that helps these young men and women make good choices in their lives and, through that, make good choices for the rest of their lives. That's the future I want to make certain continues.

As a student, I knew that the cost was significant for my family. I knew people were helping, but I didn't really appreciate it until later. Now I do, and it's my time to help. That is what my classmate, Fr. Jim Black '64, wanted to have happen. It's why a portion of my estate will be provided to the school when I die. It's a way to keep the gifts coming, and for me to remain present, even when I'm not here.