Donor Highlight: Ron Riskin – Gratitude, Inspiration, and Quiet Heroes

January 21, 2022

By Sherry Beames, Donor Services Coordinator

A La Crosse Community Foundation scholarship given in 1974 proves to still be inspirational today

Martin (Ron) Riskin has been paying it forward for 30 years, and his story is incredibly inspirational. In a time when the world seems almost upside down, it’s nice to think of people like Ron, a quiet hero who once needed a little support.

A student in financial need

“This shows you how badly I needed help at the time,” Ron recalled.  In 1974, Ron was attending John Marshall Law School in Chicago after working at the Trane Company in La Crosse for three years.  The country was in a recession and Ron was struggling financially. He switched his school attendance to the night program so he could find a full-time job and afford tuition.  When it didn’t look like that was going to work, he turned to La Crosse Community Foundation (then called La Crosse Foundation) with a request for a scholarship so he could continue his education.

Ron found an advocate in the board’s executive secretary, L. F. Robinson, who Ron described as “a man of few words, but a big heart.” Robinson brought the scholarship request to the board, who approved scholarship awards for Ron in both the spring of 1974 and in December.

Giving back to the place that gave to him

Ron went on to become a successful lawyer in investment banking. His career took him far away from La Crosse, but he continues to have fond memories of the beautiful landscape and gentle people. In 1976, as a senior in law school, Ron wrote to the foundation.  In his words, “Without doubt, your decision to fund a portion of my education has had a profound effect on my career and life. Thank you.”

Ron has made an annual gift to La Crosse Community Foundation since 1991. He is now retired and trying to stay busy, enjoying piloting when he can and spending time with his wife, Melanie. When we phoned Ron to talk about his story, he humbly acknowledged our gratitude for his gifts which have impacted many folks in our community.

Inspiring others to give

He doesn’t think of his story as inspirational, but at some point in our lives we’ve all needed a little support. We can all relate to the relief it is to get that help. And perhaps, like Robinson and Ron, you will be the one to give that support. Truly, the very definition of inspirational.