Jack and Laura Milton's Legacy at Syracuse University: An Unforgettable Love Story Turned Philanthropic
Romantic Legacy of Milton: Achievements, Prosperity, and Philanthropy
Let's dive into the heartwarming tale of Jack and Laura Milton, whose bond with Syracuse University was stronger than a fairy tale forever after. This dynamic duo, known for their generous contributions, made one of the largest unrestricted gifts in SU history - worth more than $20 million.
Chris, their son, reminisced, "Their education at Syracuse University was the fundamental foundation for their success in business and life." Stacey, his sister, echoed these sentiments, expressing, "They took advantage of everything the school had to offer, from classes to Greek life to football, and then they gave back." That's a great legacy, indeed - leaving a lasting impression that shapes the lives of students and faculty for generations.
The Miltons were an example of how their college days intertwined in a chance encounter, setting the stage for a lifetime together. Jack, wishing to work in the heavy equipment industry at a Caterpillar dealership and Laura, more of a scholar, both found a home at SU, and the rest, as they say, is history. A beautiful love story unfolded, leading to a marriage during their junior year.
Jack graduated with a business degree, while Laura walked away with a degree in French from the College of Arts and Sciences. After a stint in the U.S. Army and working for his father's company, Jack co-founded Jordan-Milton Machinery in New Hampshire. Success followed, and Jack's business ventures grew. In 1991, they acquired Southworth Machinery, forming Southworth-Milton, Inc. The operation shifted to Massachusetts, and in 2004, the company acquired Syracuse Supply, adopting the trade name Milton CAT. Today, Chris, the current CEO, leads a $1.5 billion business with nearly 2,000 employees.
Laura was a force to be reckoned with in her community, serving on boards such as Child and Family Services, YMCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Parks and Recreation, Junior Service League, Concord Hospital Association, and the New Hampshire Hospital Association. In Boston, she served on the Emerson Hospital board.
Service, Philanthropy, and SU
The Miltons remained steadfast alumni and Orange fans, with their generosity expanding as their wealth grew. Jack was elected to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees in 2000, the same year Laura became a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors. Jack also served on the Whitman School of Management Advisory Council.
Their support encompassed various institutional priorities in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Whitman School of Management, with recognition in the form of the Jack and Laura Milton Room on the fourth floor of the Whitman Building and the Jack and Laura Milton Atrium in the Life Sciences Complex, acknowledging numerous million-dollar gifts. Recently, their estate funded the Jack and Laura H. Milton Professorship in the College of Arts and Sciences, currently held by Robert Doyle, a renowned medicinal chemist with a keen interest in pharmaceutical drug development.
Moreover, Milton Hall, which was formerly known as The Marshall, has undergone a modernization and is now a 287-bed residence hall, primarily home to second-year students. Chancellor Kent Syverud expressed his gratitude, stating, "Laura often said that the University was a gift to Jack and herself because they met there... The fact that most of their estate gift is unrestricted demonstrates their deep love and devotion to their alma mater, their past dedication to service, and their trust in the future vision for the University."
The siblings saw their parents' connection to the University unfold and witness the tangible impact it made on campus. Chris shared, "My parents recognized that their good fortune began at Syracuse University, and they just wanted to give back." Stacey added, "While they were alive, they got to see how the University used their funds wisely. That's why they were so confident in leaving behind a gift for future generations."
With a love story like theirs and a legacy that continues to shape Syracuse University, there's no denying that the Miltons' commitment to education and philanthropy will be remembered for years to come.
Sources:
- Syracuse.com
- Syracuse.com
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Miltons' generosity towards Syracuse University, stretching across education, personal growth, career development, skills training, and learning, stands as a testament to their success and a legacy that continuously shapes the futures of students and faculty at the institution.
- With their educational journey at Syracuse University serving as the bedrock of their accomplishments, Jack and Laura Milton's ongoing commitment to self-development extended to philanthropic causes, ensuring that future generations would also have access to the same opportunities for growth and success.
