Roger Wade ’79 Makes $1 Million Unrestricted Gift to St. Lawrence University
When Roger Wade ’79 looks back on his years at St. Lawrence University, he recognizes just how important the experience was in shaping his future.
“St. Lawrence was the right place for me,” Wade recalls. “It was a small school with a lot of smart people, and I found my way there. I’m not sure that would have happened somewhere else.”
Now, Wade is giving back to the place that helped him find his path with a $1 million unrestricted gift to the University’s endowment.
Wade arrived at St. Lawrence after visiting a high school friend and connecting with cross-country coach Ron Hoffman, who encouraged him to join the team. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Wade credits Coach Hoffman with helping build his confidence and remembers government professor Bob Wells for inspiring him to excel academically. Those experiences, coupled with a semester spent working for a New York state senator, helped prepare him for law school and a successful career.
In 1986, Wade co-founded GW & Wade, LLC, an independent financial advisory firm. After nearly four decades in the business, he sold the company in early 2024 while continuing to work with clients. The transition prompted him to consider how he could make a more significant philanthropic contribution to St. Lawrence, a university he has supported for more than two decades.
“Every time I read about St. Lawrence, it seems like the University is taking steps forward, academically and in its alumni engagement,” Wade says. “I have a lot of confidence in President Morris and the University’s leadership. They’re managing some real challenges in higher education, and I trust them to know where my gift can make the greatest difference.”
That trust informed his decision to make his gift unrestricted, providing the University with flexibility to address emerging needs and advance its priorities.
“Roger understands firsthand the lasting impact of a St. Lawrence education, and we are tremendously grateful for his generosity,” says President Kate Morris. “By making his gift unrestricted, he has entrusted us with the flexibility to direct these resources where they can have the greatest impact on our students. His support will help us create opportunities for Laurentians today and for years to come.”
Wade chose to make his gift using appreciated securities, an approach he had used for previous charitable contributions. With the timing and circumstances aligned, he saw an opportunity to make a significant investment in the University that had played such an important role in his life.
Ultimately, Wade hopes his gift will encourage other Laurentians to consider how they, too, might support St. Lawrence.
“When you’ve had some success and find yourself in a position to give back, it’s a pleasure to be able to do it,” he says.