Giving that really matters

My Webster's dictionary defines philanthropy as "works .. intended to increase the well-being of humanity." You could change the definition to just say "R.C. Durr and Richard and Lois Rosenthal."

Durr (left), who died earlier this week at 88, was a successful businessman who gave back much of his wealth, particularly in his native Northern Kentucky. His R.C. Durr Foundation was ranked in 2000 as one of Kentucky's top 50 in giving. Always modest, he had to be convinced to to let a new YMCA in Burlington be named the "R.C. Durr YMCA."

The Rosenthals, long-time patrons of the arts throughout the Cincinnati region, have given $1.5 million to endow a faculty chair in Northern Kentucky University's theater department. It's the largest private gift to an academic department in NKU's history. And it goes to a department that has become a regional gem and magnet for theater students under the leadership of department chair Ken Jones.

In our story, Jones said the money will be used to "teach, inspire and challenge" students.

That's philanthropy at its best.