Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel Blended Lifetime and Legacy Gifts to Ensure Their Support for Future Generations

Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel, through cash donations and a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), were already the largest givers to EKU in its history. When their additional planned gifts of an annuity and an IRA were realized after their lifetimes, their position as some of EKU’s most generous benefactors was solidified—providing resources for our students for generations.

The Noels were childhood sweethearts from Boone County. Ron was a first-generation student who came to EKU to study business and accounting and play baseball. Sherrie Lou came with him, was a cheerleader, and finished her EKU degree later in life. Through their CRUT, EKU’s historic Crabbe Library is home to the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity and the Noel Reading Porch.

After graduation, Ron served on the EKU foundation board for several years, including as vice chair of the board. Ron and Sherrie Lou served as honorary co-chairs for the Make No Little Plans comprehensive campaign and made a $1 million donation to establish the Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel Research Endowment to support faculty and student research across the University. Another part of that gift expanded and renovated the athletics strength and conditioning center.

When asked why they support EKU, Ron said, “It’s pretty obvious I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for Eastern. If not for the knowledge we gained, we would not have had success and rewarding careers. This is why we welcome the chance to share our good fortune so that other students may have the opportunity for a quality education.”

The Noels believed EKU transformed their lives and always wanted to help provide the University with the resources to continue transforming lives. They are a wonderful example for others who received a transformative experience at EKU to help others do the same.