Jere D. McGaffey

Jere and Ruth McGaffey ’s relationship with UWM started many decades ago.

Dr. Ruth McGaffey, Professor Emerita, (1933-1998) served on the faculty of the Communication Department from 1964-1988. During that time, she chaired the Department, coached the debate and college bowl teams, and served as executive assistant to the Chancellor for a period of time. Ruth’s passion was the First Amendment. She was a prolific scholar and the recipient of numerous academic awards. Her students loved her and remembered her fondly for her dedication of time and resources to their education. in 1997, Ruth McGaffey was awarded the UWM Ernest Spaights Plaza Award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the university.

Upon her passing in 1998, Jere, friends, family and former students created the Ruth McGaffey Fund, to provide program support for the Communication Department. Jere’s engagement with UWM has grown significantly over time, especially in the years since Ruth’s passing. He served two nine-year terms on the UWM Foundation Board of Directors and has served on the UWM Foundation Investment Committee. He also has participated in the advisory board for UWM ’s College of Nursing. Jere continues to support UWM programs about which he feels most passionately, particularly in the liberal arts.