The Many Gifts of Giving
Bob and Susan Conrad have discovered that there are many paths to giving and each one has surprising consequences.
The Hudson couple gives generously to University Hospitals in so many ways, yet they say they are the lucky recipients. Their gifts include annual donations to the UH Art Fund. They have also taken advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover to support the UH Endowed Art Fund and the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. And, they are leaving a meaningful legacy by remembering UH in their estate plans. If there's a UH event, Bob and Susan are likely to attend. They attended an art tour at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center where they learned about the Fine Art Collection at UH from curator Tom Huck. That whet their appetite for all things UH. They've also attended Rainbow 101, an insider's view of the lifesaving care that defines UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. It was a learning experience for the Conrads to meet compassionate and dedicated physicians and to hear about teenage cancer and the importance of donations for continued research. And, they're always ready for the next UH adventure.
Adventure is practically Bob Conrad's middle name. With a law enforcement, political science and international relations background, he became a special agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the Foreign Service Office of the U.S. Department of State. His adventures read like a Tom Clancy novel filled with intrigue and cliffhangers. He speaks seven languages. His career took him to El Salvador, Yemen, Australia, Mongolia, and Chad and Mozambique, Africa, where Susan started two regional schools. This was her calling since she had taught school in Virginia for over 20 years where she worked with gifted and challenged children.
The Conrads are worldwide travelers. "People are wonderful all over the world," reflected Susan. "We appreciate being immersed in their cultures, just as we appreciate America."
They also appreciate University Hospitals. Bob was especially grateful to surgeon John Shaffer, MD, Department of Orthopedics at UH Cleveland Medical Center, who repaired his broken wrist. "It was a complicated surgery and I received excellent care," said Bob. "I am very pleased with the outcome."
The couple, who has been married 44 years, shared that UH has opened its heart to them. "We feel like we're a part of a big UH family," expressed Susan. "UH cares that we have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the hospital's innovative work and discoveries."
These music and art lovers will soon be giving UH a gift of art from their world travels. It's all part of the fascinating exchange of gifts.
And, like the old adage, the Conrads have learned that to give is to receive. "It's gratifying to be around people at University Hospitals who feel the same way about giving and building a world for the next generation," observed Bob. "We're happy to be helping to improve the lives of others. Really, it's a gift."