Building a Legacy of Generosity: How Janet Riggs Champions Empathy and Education

You Can't Take It With You

Janet Riggs is a distinguished figure in the realm of higher education, having dedicated over four decades to Gettysburg College. A graduate of the class of 1977, she went on to earn her MA and PhD in social psychology from Princeton University. Janet's career at Gettysburg began as an assumed temporary faculty position in 1981, eventually leading to her role as the 14th president of the college, a position she held for 11 years until her retirement in 2019.

Throughout her tenure, she was recognized for her dedication to teaching and leadership, receiving accolades such as the Gettysburg College Student Senate Faculty Appreciation Award, the Thompson Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the Woman of Distinction Award. Janet’s presidency was marked by a commitment to inclusion, internationalization, and the transformation of the campus, spearheading the "Gettysburg Great: The Campaign for Our College," which raised over $160 million. Additionally, her advocacy for liberal arts education extended beyond Gettysburg through her leadership in state and national organizations, contributing significantly to the discourse on higher education and liberal arts.

In this episode…

What does it take to build a legacy of generosity that transcends personal achievement and profoundly impacts education and community? How can empathy drive this process to create meaningful change?

Janet Riggs, a distinguished former president of Gettysburg College with a rich history in academia and philanthropy, emphasizes the critical importance of empathy in nurturing a culture of giving. She argues that understanding the personal stories and motivations behind philanthropy can significantly enhance the effectiveness of donations. Janet explains that empathy not only inspires individuals to give but also encourages strategic philanthropic efforts that address core educational and community needs. Her approach underscores the belief that true generosity involves more than just financial contributions—it requires a deep connection to the causes and people one aims to support, ensuring that every act of giving yields lasting benefits.

In this episode of You Can't Take it With You, Janet Riggs joins Jim Dunlop to explore the intersection of empathy, education, and philanthropy. They discuss Janet's personal path to becoming a champion of generosity, the impactful stories of giving that have marked her career, and how empathy can lead to substantial support for education and community welfare.