Eddie Lee ’76 and his wife, Kim Binaghi Lee, have a long history of generosity to SUNY Geneseo, but they see their financial support as just one facet of their deep engagement with the College and surrounding community.
“Kim and I have the unique and privileged role of being ‘resident donors.’ We live here and can see up close the value and impact of our philanthropy on students,” says Eddie. “Living in Geneseo gives us the opportunity to share our time and talent. That, to us, is more personally rewarding than money. The relationships we build with students have truly enriched our lives.”
The Lees recently decided it was the right time to make a planned gift to Geneseo.
“Because we’re both retired, we saw some things related to the MacVittie Legacy Society and thought maybe it’s an opportunity to do a bequest—a legacy contribution,” Eddie explains.
Their philanthropic support has already left a lasting mark. They endowed the Eddie Lee ’76 Ambassadorship for First-Generation Students and the Eddie Lee ’76 Ambassadorship in Sustainability, both of which provide students with transformative learning experiences.
After retiring from careers with the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Eddie and Kim moved to Geneseo and quickly became immersed in both campus life and the broader community. Eddie is a member of the Geneseo Foundation Board and previously served as president of the Geneseo Alumni Association. He is also a village trustee and volunteers with Livingston CARES, the Genesee Valley Arts Council, and other local nonprofits.
Kim, a visual artist, also plays a vital role in the local arts and cultural scene. She volunteers with the Genesee Valley Arts Council, Genesee Community Main Street, the Wadsworth Library, and the Livingston County Inspirations Trail. She has also coordinated student internships, helping bridge the connection between Geneseo students and meaningful community experiences.
Through Livingston CARES, Eddie has taken students on service trips to assist in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. This spring, he will lead a group to Asheville, N.C., to aid in recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.
“I hope to continue fostering a sense of belonging among students—that they’re part of something bigger than just the campus community,” Eddie says. “At the same time, I want local residents to see SUNY Geneseo as a valuable part of the region—not just an economic engine, but a community they can engage with and support in return.”
For the Lees, giving back—whether through time, talent, or treasure—is a way of life.
“Here, people really value individuals who want to be a part of things, who want to help,” Kim says. “It felt very natural for us to step in and contribute in ways that were meaningful to us and helpful to the College.”
