There is something inspiring about the photograph of Ron Pearce holding the diamond pin that recognizes his lifetime membership in the Illinois College Society.

He is seated at his desk at Fairway Ford in Placentia, California, where he still goes to work each day. Around him are reminders of another important part of his life: sports memorabilia, trophies, medals and pins collected through decades of competition. Now, among those symbols of achievement is a new one — an Illinois College Society pin recognizing an extraordinary record of generosity.

Those same qualities of commitment and perseverance have shaped Ron’s relationship with Illinois College for nearly four decades.

In 1987, Ron and his father established the Albert and Helen Canatsey Pearce Endowed Scholarship, honoring Ron’s parents and creating an opportunity for future generations of Illinois College students from the Jacksonville area.

Albert Pearce had deep roots in the Jacksonville community. A business and tax consultant, he served on the board of directors of Jacksonville Savings and Loan and was active in the Jacksonville Country Club, Kiwanis Club and Grace Methodist Church. Ron’s mother, Helen, died in 1973, and Albert died in 1987. The scholarship created in their names ensured that the values and community ties that shaped their lives would continue through opportunities for Illinois College students.

The family’s connection to Illinois College extended across generations. Originally from Roodhouse, the Pearces became longtime residents of Jacksonville. Ron’s sister, Carol “Ann” Pearce Rodgers ’60, and uncle, Donald Pearce ’34, both graduated from Illinois College. The Pearce family also shared a close friendship with President Donald and June Mundinger.

For nearly four decades, the Pearce Endowed Scholarship has helped Illinois College students pursue their education. Over the past year, Ron has added generously to the fund, strengthening the scholarship and ensuring that the family legacy he helped establish so many years ago will continue well into the future.

Those recent gifts have also carried Ron across an important milestone, recognition as a lifetime member of the Illinois College Society. It is a fitting distinction for someone whose life has been marked by loyalty and persistence.

Away from the dealership, Ron spent decades competing in softball at an extraordinary level. He sponsored and played third base for Fairway Ford teams that won multiple national and world championships. At the 2003 Senior Softball World Championships, Ron drove in the winning run to complete a seven-run, final-inning comeback — one memorable moment in a remarkably long competitive career.

Perhaps that is another way to understand Pearce. Whether building a business, competing on a softball field or investing in young people he may never meet, Ron has understood the value of staying with something for the long haul.

And now, surrounded in his office by the trophies, medals and pins that represent a lifetime of accomplishment, Ron has one more symbol of a legacy built to last. He’s ensured that the Pearce family name will continue changing students’ lives for generations to come.

Read more from this issue: here.