A Tucson, Arizona, couple with strong ties to Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus College of Business have pledged the largest gift in the college’s history.
Dr. Gerald Cook, an adjunct professor of Business at the college, and his wife, Diane, who retired from higher education, have made a multimillion-dollar estate gift that reflects their deep commitment to empowering faculty and fostering academic excellence.
Once realized, the Diane and Gerald Cook Endowed Fund for Excellence will provide vital resources for curriculum development, cutting-edge research and the integration of new learning technologies. It will support students and faculty by funding merit- and need-based scholarships, professional development opportunities and experiential learning initiatives, including internships, study abroad and collaborative projects. Additionally, the fund will advance emerging initiatives, ensuring the college remains agile and able to address new opportunities.
The couple have strong roots in higher education. Diane, who graduated from the University of Miami with an MBA, served at her alma mater as vice president and treasurer and retired after 30 years of service to the university.
Gerald has decades of experience in aviation from pilot to airline flight operations manager from 1978 to 2010. He became an adjunct professor in the Worldwide Campus College of Business in 2001, teaching economics and airline management. His development of the cornerstone course for the graduate program in airline operations has played an integral role in shaping future leaders in aviation.
“We are so grateful to Diane and Jerry for their generous leadership,” said Maneesh Sharma, dean of the Worldwide Campus College of Business. “It will transform the college and inspire others to contribute to the vibrant and collaborative culture that defines the College of Business at Worldwide.”
Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus currently ranks No. 12 overall in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings.