Jerry Pollock always could spot an excellent opportunity.
The Akron native and self-made businessman began his career peddling scrap metal and ultimately became a successful entrepreneur, investor, owner, co-owner, and leader of numerous companies, including Ravens Metal Products, RVM Industries, Signs and Blanks, Albex Aluminum, J. Pollock & Company, Buckeye Aluminum and Bronze, Barmet Aluminum Corporation, and Flex-Team Temporaries.
University of Akron Provost Mike Sherman (right) thanks local businessman Jerry Pollock, who elected to gift his home to the University.
Not surprisingly, when it came to selecting benefactors for his philanthropy, Pollock, who still resides in Akron, made another excellent investment: He gifted his home to a grateful University of Akron. Both he and his wife, Leona, recognize the inherent value of the University to the community and know their gift will benefit hundreds of deserving students who aspire to create their own success stories – much like Pollock had done.
Over the years, Pollock and his first wife, the late Gertrude Pollock, were generous donors to Stewart’s Caring Place and the Shaw Jewish Community Center, where they established a scholarship in loving memory of their daughter, Barbara, a 1972 University of Akron graduate. In addition, the couple’s two sons, Richard and Bruce, are friends of the University who have contributed to the Z-Fund and made memorial gifts.
For many people, a gift of real estate to The University of Akron Foundation truly is an excellent philanthropic choice. For more than 40 years, the Foundation has been a respected leader in the area of charitable real estate gifts, helping alumni and friends find immediate value in their property while assisting UA students. To find out if a gift of real estate can benefit your short- or long-term financial outlook, please contact the Department of Development at 330.972.7238.