Committed to joining the Rudolph Society by the end of 2018, Jim Gaines (Middle Tennessee State ’69) met his goal with months to spare. Only a handful of SAE alumni have reached this $50,000 giving level in lifetime contributions, making Jim one of our most loyal and consistent donors.
Jim gave his first gift in 1971 in an effort to begin supporting scholarships and leadership school; he is the first member of Middle Tennessee State to achieve the Rudolph Society level of giving. Jim, who now resides near San Diego, California, is a very successful and selfless businessman who contributes to numerous worthy causes in support of others. “It is in my DNA to give,” Jim says. “It’s not how much money you make, it’s what you do with your life. After all, you can’t take money with you when you die.”
In addition to his lifetime financial support of SAE, Jim remains active as an alumni volunteer. He is a leader in alumni engagement, especially in the San Diego Area Alumni Association. Being a founder member of SAE at Middle Tennessee State University, Jim holds a passion for his alma mater. Since graduating in 1969, Gaines has established a scholarship at Middle Tennessee State, served six years on the University’s Foundation board, and established an academic chair at the university to support scholarship excellence.
The SAE Foundation could not do what we do without the support of alumni. Jim is a perfect example. Jim’s giving of both time and resources helps ensure that our undergraduate men stay involved and have access to national educational programs, enabling today’s newest True Gentlemen to develop into future leaders.
He is truly a man whose deeds follow his words. Please join us in congratulating Jim on this incredible accomplishment!
Follow Jim’s lead – click here to make a donation.
