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Frys donate $250,000 to University of Kansas
Published 11/11/2009 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
Dr. Luther Fry knows the importance of education and donating to support it.
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Courtesy photo - KU announced Tuesday that Garden City couple Ardis, left, and Luther Fry have given a $250,000 gift that helps support an ophthalmology professorship. According to the release, the donation is an additional gift to the endowed fund they established at KU in 2001.
Eight years ago, he set up an endowment to the University of Kansas and has given set amounts of money each year since.
Fry owns and operates Fry Eye, 310 Walnut St. His wife, Ardis, works at the Fry Eye Surgery Center, 411 N. Campus Drive.
With the state funds for higher education diminishing and in turn the amount of money KU is receiving from the state, Fry decided what better time than now to increase his donation.
KU recently announced that the Garden City couple has given a $250,000 gift that helps support an ophthalmology professorship.
According to the university, Luther and Ardis Fry's donation is an additional gift to the endowed fund they established in 2001.
Since 2001, the Frys have provided $750,000 to support the professorship.
"We've always been planning to upgrade. We decided now was a good time because the state isn't able to support the university the same way it has in the past," Luther Fry said. "We're hoping the economy turns around, but we really wanted to help while we can. The money was there, so we went for it."
He said he donates to KU to encourage students to consider western Kansas when looking for jobs.
"There's a shortage of doctors in western Kansas. We want students to keep us in mind," Fry said.
The Frys requested the professorship be awarded to John Sutphin, M.D., who is the current chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology.
"He's really good, someone we're very impressed with," Fry said. "We snatched him from Iowa, and we'd like for him to stay."
Sutphin is the second person to hold this professorship. The first was Martin Mainster, M.D., who now is a professor emeritus.
Luther Fry grew up in Montezuma, and Ardis grew up near McPherson. After medical school, Fry completed his residency in ophthalmology at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit.
Fry said he wanted to return to southwest Kansas after his residency.
He started out in Dodge City, but said most of his patients were coming from west of Dodge City, so he moved to Garden City.
Fry Eye Associates includes three full-time ophthalmologists, including the Frys' son, KU alumnus Eric Fry, who graduated from the KU School of Medicine in 2003 and completed his ophthalmology residency in 2008.
Dr. Fry said he and his wife still enjoy living in southwest Kansas. They enjoy taking trips to Colorado to ski, and his wife loves to play golf.
Found 3 comment(s)!
WE need an aor organization support
Hello!
I writte the thelegram with money recived from unuiversity of Kansas.We are disipoiment because this program who create special for education from many peoples from this planet it not have money to start activity in domains who is redy from the governaments who engage who promises to involve.It is time to do the seriosity work because we want that this program want to be the great program educational from world.
Sincerly,
Mr.Marasoiu Marian
Creator Freedomilenium organization and co-worher Open Education
Posted by: Mr.Marasoiu nMarian on 11/22/2009
donation
Hello! I apreciate this great donation from university and in special for education.It is a xample for every bady who want to suport in aor project Open Education the bighest project now of internet.Who is intresting for details must to contact us of adress:poee56@yahoo.com or marasoi@yahoo.com
Posted by: Marasoiu Marian on 11/13/2009
Dr. Fry and Ardis
My husband, Ken Dwight, and I wish to express gratitude and pride in the great work and sincere generosity of my sister and brother-in-law. KU, you are blessed. Your sister, Carolyn Swanson
Posted by: Carolyn Swanson on 11/12/2009
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