Connections Across a Lifetime

Virginia (Ginny) and Charles (Chuck) Myer

From their time as students, Virginia (Ginny) and Charles (Chuck) Myer have built lifelong relationships rooted in Vanderbilt connections, and they continue even today.

Dr. Chuck Myer, BA’75, represents one of four generations of Vanderbilt alumni. Both his grandmother and mother attended Vanderbilt. And when he was a student, he met Ginny, BSN’75. They married soon after graduation, just before Chuck entered medical school. Even at that busy time when they were starting their life together, they joined the alumni association to stay connected.

At their 15th Class Reunion they not only reconnected with classmates, but, after some discussion with their chapter adviser, they became co-presidents of their local alumni chapter. Then Chuck became a member of the Alumni Association Board.

By their 25th Reunion Vanderbilt was an even greater part of their lives — their son was a student (now the fourth generation of alumni) — and they established a scholarship to help provide the Vanderbilt experience to others. Ever since, the Myers have added to their scholarship support and supported areas across campus.

Their most recent gift is a bequest to endow a football scholarship, honoring Chuck’s time as a student sports radio host at WRVU. During their estate-planning process, they reached out to the Office of Planned Giving, who provided bequest language to accomplish their goals.

“We have this connection to this institution, and we just identify with it most of all our philanthropic interests,” Chuck said. In addition to their giving, Ginny also served on the Alumni Association Board. And they meet new friends, including fellow Vanderbilt alumni, through the Alumni Association’s Travel Program.

“These trips have been adventures that we would not have thought to do ourselves,” Ginny said, as the couple described Yellowstone in the winter, a train ride across the Canadian Rockies (pictured) and an African safari, among other excursions. They note that the locations are unique enough to attract travelers with similar interests to build from.

“The trips are so well done, and you’re with a group of people you’re comfortable with,” Chuck said.