George Layburn '79 with the Third Century Founder recognition wall in Peirce Atrium.
On the day he graduated from Kenyon College, George Layburn ’79 was determined to make a gift to his alma mater every year that followed. And he has — for 47 years — out of a sense of loyalty. “Kenyon grounded me and gave me perspective in thought and deed, instilling in me the values of a liberal arts education,” he said.
With the footing of confidence and skills built in seminars and tutorials in the Integrated Program in Humane Studies, and an introduction to the business world from the family of his college roommate Peter Hoagland ’79, Layburn embarked on a successful career, retiring as sales director for an electrical supply company in 2020.
In addition to his yearly gifts to the Kenyon Fund, in the fiscal year that ended June 30, Layburn made an outright gift to the endowment as well as a commitment through his estate, the second-largest to the Third Century Founders initiative. (The two-year effort to add $100 million to Kenyon endowment is entering its second year. In April, 21 donors — including Layburn — were celebrated at an installation ceremony for their extraordinary generosity of gifts of $1 million or more or $2.5 million in planned gifts.)
“It’s about wanting to have an allocation that will translate into some sort of legacy,” Layburn said. He is also looking forward to celebrating his 50th reunion in three years, an occasion upon which many consider elevating their philanthropy to Kenyon, frequently with planned gifts.
“I’m 69 now, and so I’ve started thinking about this much more than I ever did in the past. I wanted to support an institution that’s special to me,” he said.
“I believe higher education is a worthy cause. Though I support other charities, I feel most connected to Kenyon as it has always been an important part of my life experience.”
President Julie Kornfeld expressed her appreciation for his investments. “We were so pleased to be able to honor George and his fellow Third Century Founders in April. His commitment is helping to set a powerful example for others about the enduring value of a Kenyon education. To know that Kenyon will be able to benefit from his generosity for generations is an incredible gift.”
Layburn has been thoughtful and strategic in his giving, seeking to make the most impact while also taking advantage of tax breaks by giving through a charitable gift annuity. “Beyond the obvious benefits to Kenyon, the annuity will eventually provide me with a predictable and tax-advantaged income stream as well as an immediate tax deduction,” he said.
He established the George Layburn Endowed Scholarship and named the Layburn Innovation Classroom on the second floor of Chalmers Library in 2021. With his latest estate commitment, Layburn will add to that scholarship fund and also establish an endowed professorship in IPHS in the name of his mother, Shirley Dinsdale.
A ventriloquist in her early years, she won the first-ever individual Emmy Award in 1949 for her show, The Judy Splinters Show. Layburn is currently in talks with the Smithsonian to donate her effects, including her show’s namesake doll (“We weren’t allowed to call it a dummy, it was my ‘little sister’,” Layburn said.).
Layburn sees his giving as a way to “honor my family as a means to give back to Kenyon,” at a time when he understands it is keenly needed.
“I know that liberal arts institutions are under a great deal of pressure. And my gifts feel like a positive use of whatever success I may have had.”
And the benefit of working with the College now to document and celebrate his current and planned giving in his lifetime?
“It makes it kind of fun.”