Jeffrey '91 and Kimberly (Roy) '92 Fryer: Continuing a Legacy of Supporting Quality Education and Giving Back
Jeff '91 and Kim (Roy) '92 Fryer of Southington, CT, both had parents who sacrificed to provide their Bryant education and who demonstrated the importance of giving back.
Jeff, a CPA, is vice president and chief tax officer at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening rare diseases. Headquartered in Cheshire, CT, with a manufacturing operation in Smithfield, the company employs more than 1,900 people worldwide.
The work, Jeff says, is challenging, exciting, and important and he's proud of the role he and his team play in driving shareholder value and in doing so on a global scale. He regularly shares his experience and expertise with Bryant students through the Alumni Job Shadow Program as well as through visits to Accounting Professor Michael Lynch's classes.
As a junior, Jeff took his first tax class with Lynch. "He became more than a professor to me. He's been a mentor and a friend."
"If not for Professor Lynch, who guided me as a student and encouraged me to pursue my master's degree and a job in the tax department of a major public accounting firm," he says, "there's no way I would have the career I have today."
The Fryers returned to campus this spring with sons Ryan and Chris - Jeff as a guest speaker in Lynch's class, and Ryan as a prospective student.
"Bryant was a great school back when we were students here," says Kim. "It's even better today. All the changes are pretty amazing."
When the couple evaluated their philanthropic priorities, Bryant was high on the list. Having named the University in their estate plan, the Fryers are members of the 1863 Society.
"If it weren't for Bryant, we would not have achieved the success we have realized," Jeff says. "We hope current students will see others, like us, paying it forward, and one day, those young people will follow in our footsteps. Giving back makes us feel good."