Thank you to Guest Contributor Claire Walton for writing this article and capturing the spirit of Cory and the generosity of the Golis family
It takes a remarkable person to turn unspeakable loss into something life-affirming and impactful. Twenty-six years ago, Jim and Jerri Golis and their son, Jeremy, made a decision that demonstrated that their family was made up of such remarkable people.
In the 1990s, Jim and Jerri Golis were raising two sons, Jeremy and Cory. Like their parents, the boys valued community and sharing God’s love through serving others. In 1998, their lives changed dramatically when Cory, cycling on the last leg of that year’s Anchor House Foundation Ride for Runaways, collided with a car and succumbed to his injuries. Known for his humor, deep faith in God, and zest for life, Cory was 15.
Earlier that week, during the Ride’s annual banquet, the iconic Bill Hogan, who had served as President of the Anchor House Foundation, referenced the Foundation’s goal of seeing a scholarship fund established to help young people pursue their dreams in college or trade school. Cory had passed away on Saturday of that week. By Sunday, Jim, Jerri, and Jeremy had made the decision to honor Cory’s memory and his enthusiastic support for Anchor House by establishing that scholarship fund. Jim called Bill Hogan, and a very meaningful endeavor was born: The Cory Golis/Anchor House Foundation Scholarship Fund. Over the past 26 years, the Fund has provided more than $300,000 in tuition assistance to hundreds of young people including ones who have received Anchor House services.
Ensuring that funds will be available for the annual Scholarship Fund has truly been a family affair. Jim and Jerri have modeled the practice of exercising wise stewardship of their resources to make available funds for charitable giving. Jeremy, his wife, Lauren, and their three children have also been involved. Even from a young age, the grandchildren have actively supported the initiative, crafting and selling beaded bracelets, flipping burgers, and setting up a lemonade stand.
On June 14, 2025, Jim and Jerri, along with their daughter-in-law and grandchildren, came to Anchor House to present scholarship awards to this year’s cohort of winners before family and friends. As each student’s name was called to come accept their award, Jim shared some of the students’ accomplishments and had a personalized message of congratulations and encouragement for each one. Among the honorees were future nurses, teachers, mental health practitioners, music educators, computer engineers, financial professionals, and more. A warm feeling filled the room as many of the students hugged Jim and Jerri, moved by their generosity and respect for how they had transformed their grief into such a powerful tribute.
At the conclusion of the presentations, the Golis family shared a heartfelt announcement: after 26 years, they had made the important decision to step down from their active leadership role. We do know that their deep connection to our mission remains unwavering, and they are committed to supporting Anchor House and the Anchor House Foundation for years to come.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Golis family, these scholarships have given so many young people the chance to pursue their academic dreams and long-term goals,” said Kim McNear, Executive Director of Anchor House. “We’ve seen youth not only graduate, but go on to build meaningful careers and create bright futures for themselves.”
Thank you, Golis family and congratulations, scholarship winners!
