黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 8, 2025

Over $10 million gift will help to build the Arts District at 黑料网

The College of the Arts at 黑料网 (KSU) has been renamed the Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts, thanks to a generous bequest from the late Mr. Robert 鈥淏ob鈥� S. Geer.

Geer first announced his intention to bequeath his entire estate, valued at over $10 million, during the ArtsKSU Gala in October 2022. In a surprise announcement via that night, Geer shared his philosophy and motivation to give, while outlining his impetus to support arts education at 黑料网. 鈥淭his redheaded, freckled farm boy grew up very poor but with a passion for art, music鈥攑iano in particular鈥攁nd dance. One of my goals has always been the love of learning, to see that sense of achievement that comes through learning.鈥�

A strong work ethic always played a significant role in Geer鈥檚 family, even during the Great Depression, when piano lessons were paid for with vegetables or molasses from the family farm. 鈥淢y Dad always told us to do a little bit more than what is expected of you, and you will do fine. I have followed that all my life, and it worked,鈥� Geer said.

鈥淏ob鈥檚 journey epitomized the values of hard work, perseverance, and a love of learning,鈥� said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. 鈥淟ike so many of our students at 黑料网, he came from very humble beginnings. His story was one of remarkable achievement and great commitment, resulting in a transformational impact on the College of the Arts.鈥�

After serving in the military during World War II, Geer attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then accepted a position at a company that later became Norfolk Southern, where he rose to the rank of vice president. He retired in 1985 and enjoyed volunteering, particularly with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Steinway Society.

At one of those volunteer events, he met Joseph Meeks, Founding Dean of the College of the Arts. Meeks introduced Geer to current 黑料网 Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. , who at the time was serving as the Dean of the College of the Arts. Pulinkala and Geer had an immediate connection and developed a close friendship that became the foundation for the transformational bequest.

Pulinkala shared his vision with Geer that ArtsKSU would have one of the Southeast鈥檚 largest arts training facilities. Inspired and intrigued, Geer sought to learn more as he searched for a way to permanently establish his family legacy through arts education.

Geer and Pulinkala spent countless hours together, visiting the site for the future Geer College of the Arts (GCA) and spending time enjoying some of the many performances and exhibitions produced by ArtsKSU annually.

鈥淲hat started as a professional connection became a friendship that I will cherish forever. Bob was a brilliant and accomplished patriot who cared deeply about the arts,鈥� said Pulinkala. 鈥淟earning about his life journey was inspirational and I am grateful that his legacy will live on through ArtsKSU.鈥�

Geer passed away on March 28, 2024, just shy of his 100th birthday. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has authorized the renaming of the College of the Arts in Geer鈥檚 honor, one of the highest and most distinguished honors it can bestow. ArtsKSU will celebrate the renaming鈥攁nd Geer鈥檚 enduring legacy鈥攁t the upcoming on Feb. 8, 2025.

In his announcement video, Geer ended by saying, 鈥淭he Geer family鈥擬ary, Robert Jr., and I鈥攚ill always be looking down with love and joy on every student who benefits from our gift. God bless you all!鈥�

Read more: /arts/about/robert-s-geer.php

鈥� By Kathie Beckett

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.