Krebs
Richard Krebs believed that "we are what we give."
By that standard, his life was beyond value.
Despite his cerebral palsy, he was a distinguished NASA research scientist, specializing in thermodynamics in Cleveland, Ohio. During his 30-year career, he published more than 30 papers and conducted major research on the icing of aircraft.
At the same time, he helped others who had disabilities, and spoke to community groups and parents of disabled children.
And along the way, he and his wife, Carol, shared his wealth through the Krebs Foundation. Helping music students, library patrons and many others.
This year, it's Florida State's School of Music's turn to benefit from the Krebs legacy.
When he retired, he and Carol moved to Tallahassee, and one of their favorite pastimes became concerts at FSU.
Richard Krebs often showed his appreciation for FSU's performances by contributing. Then, in 1983, upon his death, Carol Krebs thought it was appropriate that she just "keep on giving" in the memory of her husband.
"They deserved it," said Carol Krebs, now 88. This year, she has made two significant new contributions, which will be matched with state dollars, to the music school.
"I had some extra money, so I thought I'd give it, too," she said. She has donated $500,000 to build the proposed 1,200-square-foot Carol F. Krebs and Richard P. Krebs World Music Reception Garden in the music school's planned Performance Hall, and she pledged $390,824 to establish the Carol F. Krebs and Richard P. Krebs World Music Fund.
The gift for the reception garden moves FSU even closer to breaking ground for the multimillion-dollar Performance Hall, said Dean Jon Piersol of the School of Music. And Krebs's contribution to world music, said Piersol, "will help to catapult us into national leadership in the discipline."
Plans for the reception garden call for an area within the Performance Hall large enough for a gathering of more than 200 people. Lush plants, flowering trees, a flower pond and a fountain dominate the landscape design. There also will be benches, tables and chairs near pathways so that audiences may relax during performance intermissions or attend outdoor concerts.
The endowed fund in world music will offer scholarships and fellowships for guest artists and scholars.
The income will also provide travel assistance for students majoring in studies of music such as salsa, African rhythms and Chinese compositions.
Carol Krebs said she hasn't finished giving to the school of music, but there's a hitch in the next gift.
"When I die, I'll give the state university some more money," she said. "But they'll have to wait until I die."
-Dana Peck