A Gift for GIVING BACK After benefiting from financial aid themselves, Robert and Louise Kursmark are committed to helping others Growing up in Mystic, Connecticut, Bob Kursmark, E’73, had never heard of Northeastern University or been to Boston. But he had a love of all things mechanical — cars, outboard motors, and lawnmower engines — that led him to pursue a degree in engineering. By researching regional universities, he discovered Northeastern. “The more I learned about the university, the more I was drawn to Northeastern,” recalls Bob. “I loved the idea of co-op — and welcomed the chance to graduate with real-world experience.” But the deciding factor came in the form of a much-needed scholarship from the university. “Without the financial aid offered by Northeastern, it would have been impossible for me to get a college degree,” he says. “That scholarship was life-changing.” Bob’s wife, Louise, also benefited from financial aid while earning a degree in business from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. In addition, she studied English part-time at Northeastern for five years with tuition support from an employer. “Bob and I both know the value of an education and the opportunities it can create,” notes Louise. “We’re very grateful that someone gave us help when we needed it most.” To give back, the Kursmarks have provided a variety of financial support to Northeastern over the years — including a tuition scholarship for an engineering student who, like Bob, hails from Connecticut. Since the scholarship was established in 2004, six students have received aid, three of them for multiple years. While Bob has had a successful 41-year career at GE Aviation and Louise owns a resume and career services company, the Kursmarks are quick to emphasize that they are not wealthy — just committed to helping others. “Gifts of all sizes are important to the university,” says Louise, “and each of us is capable of making a difference.” “There are so many ways to give back,” agrees Bob, “and we’ve been very happy with the way Northeastern has helped us customtailor a scholarship to dovetail with our own interests. It’s very gratifying to think that we are helping young people change their lives, just as our lives were impacted many years ago.”
36 Engineering @ Northeastern