Issue link: http://baypath.uberflip.com/i/682206
Valerie Kane-Curtis' father, William "Raymond" Kane, was a member of The Greatest Generation. They were an esteemed group that held common values of responsibility, duty, honor, and faith, and for Ray Kane there was another ideal he respected: education. A 1944 graduate of Cornell University and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, in civilian life Kane was an engineer and devoted family man. "I remember from an early age my dad was an advocate for education," states Valerie. "In so many ways, he was ahead of his time. He treated women honorably and equally. He encouraged me to go to college because my dad believed women could accomplish anything, and I owe my career to his support." Her father's recent passing and a return visit to Bay Path provided Valerie with another opportunity to honor her father: a bequest to establish the William R. Kane Endowed Scholarship. "Quite honestly, the process was so easy I wondered why I had not done it earlier. Everyone was very caring, patient and attentive. I felt creating the scholarship would create a lasting memory of my father—and I know he would be proud and flattered. Bay Path's mission of educating women was something he truly believed in." And Valerie is still heeding his advice about the power of education. She will be earning her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University. In the fall of 2016, Valerie also plans to return to Bay Path to celebrate her 35th Reunion with fellow classmates. She offers this advice to other Reunion celebrants: "Making a bequest is simple, and, more important, you are providing something of value that will help students earn what we all know is so important—a degree." Carpe Diem! 36 Bay Pathway Winter/Spring 2016 Valerie Kane-Curtis '81 holds a precious photo of her father when he served in the U.S. Navy stationed in the Pacific theater during WWII. The Greatest Gift. When Valerie Kane-Curtis '81 made a bequest to Bay Path University, she did so in the memory of her father, who had a profound influence on her life and others. "MY DAD BELIEVED WOMEN COULD ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING." BPW_WinterSpring 2016_final_Layout 1 3/24/16 2:46 PM Page 39