To some, a degree in geography may not seem the conventional path to a career in private equity, but David Turner ’72 strongly believes it was the right path for him.
“The social science background that I gained in geography, urban planning, political science, economics, and sociology helped develop a comprehensive worldview, although I didn’t realize it at the time,” said Turner, a retired managing director and head of private equity for The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
Studying urban planning, Turner said, led him to learn about promoting business development in an urban setting and eventually stimulated his interest in private equity.
“At one point in my career, it became apparent that I was much more interested in working with entrepreneurs, and so I developed an ability to put financial packages together for small, growth companies and startup companies,” he said.
Nevertheless, Turner freely admits that his favorite part of his day as an undergraduate was going to rehearsal for the Geneseo Chamber Singers.
“Being a member of the Chamber Singers teaches you how to work within a group and how to make a collective effort that produces something of value that is greater than what we could produce individually,” he said. “It also taught me that being passionate about what you do is okay.”
What Turner gained from the experience of singing with the Chambers Singers is what motivated him to support the Chamber Singers as well as the Dr. Robert M. and Maria L. Isgro Choral Music Endowment, which supports academically recognized chorus ensembles of Geneseo, including artists-in-residence and voice lessons, as well as performances and tours.
“Dr. Isgro was the type of individual who knew how to bring out the best in the singers, so I found it a life-changing experience. When you’ve been able to enjoy the benefits of what turned out to be a foundational education at Geneseo, it just seems important to give back,” said Turner. “When I was on campus and a member of the Chamber Singers, it felt like we had to beg, borrow, and steal to raise money to go on tour each year. We had to contribute our funds directly to go on the first European concert tour in 1971. And so, it was very important to me to contribute financially as we certainly had the means and the wherewithal to do so further along in my career.”
Turner has also supported the college by volunteering to serve on the SUNY Geneseo Foundation Board.
“During my years on the foundation board, I found that there was one common theme among the board members: a strong affinity and love of Geneseo and the education they all received,” said Turner.
