Turners provide gift of cardio training area
You might remember John Turner ’94 and Ann Loewe Turner ’94 and their candy surprise last fall.
The Turners were behind the sweet welcome gift left in the mailboxes of the new first-year students. Now, this couple is giving again, but this time it involves cardio equipment.
From candy to cardio, they’re gifting the college $150,000 to the Athletic and Wellness Facilities Project for the Turner Cardio Training area, the room filled with exercise equipment on the top floor of the renewed Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (the SAW).
“Physical fitness is an important part of our life. It is something we enjoy,” John said. “It is our hope that the cardio area will help enhance the overall health and livelihood of the student body.”
Fitness (literally) runs in the Turner household. The couple has run a combined 24 marathons, and John is preparing to run the Chicago Marathon in October with one of their three children, Charlie. Their daughter, Grace, and youngest son, Henry, are also very active. In addition to running, their family enjoys climbing mountains, backpacking, and are outdoor enthusiasts.
“The space in the SAW that now bears their name is perfect for them because they are one of the most physically active families I know,” said President Jonathan Brand. “John and Ann blow me away, and their attitude toward giving is infectious. They’ve continued to support Cornell and our students in every way possible, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Ann received a B.A. in international relations and John, who works at an investment firm, received a B.S.S. in computer science and economics and business from Cornell. The couple met during their first block at Cornell and have now been married for 26 years. The love they hold for one another and Cornell shows.
“Anybody who meets us knows how much we love a liberal arts education,” said Ann. “We believe that it sets a foundation for the rest of your life. Giving to the Athletic and Wellness Facilities Project is the least we could do to continue to support Cornell.”
The Turners especially hope their gift will support enrollment and retention by providing a place for athletic teams to thrive and for students, staff, and faculty who need a place to focus on health and wellness.
“Speaking as a parent with two children in college, having this space for physical activity is so important,” Ann said. “That could either mean an organized DIII sport or just going to yoga or working out. It’s a great mental break so students can be their best selves throughout their college journey.”
John, who has been a Trustee on the Cornell College Board of Trustees since 2014, says he has enjoyed seeing the SAW go from drafts and drawings to reality.
“Having spent time there 28 years ago and not seeing a change for quite some time, the evolution was much needed,” John said. “The old offices and locker rooms needed an upgrade. It was great to see the plans and meetings we had with the contractors and architects come to fruition.”
The couple has also supported the Science Facilities Project, the Cornell Fund, college operations, and scholarships.
For them, there’s nothing sweeter than supporting their alma mater so that it can thrive for decades to come.
