“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.
And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
– Dalai Lama
The mission of National University Foundation is to cultivate partnerships, secure resources, and productively engage donors, alumni, and other supporters to advance National University and affiliates in the achievement of their vital work. The National University Foundation recently launched the ANDers™ Campaign, a first-of-its-kind initiative for National University to secure the funding their students need to pursue their dreams. ANDers are inspiring and hardworking students at National University. They juggle many roles AND responsibilities as students AND parents, employees, caregivers, military members, Veterans, AND more. At its heart, the ANDers Campaign is not just about raising funds. It is about removing barriers for hardworking students. To continue and escalate National University’s progress, the National University Foundation is calling on individuals, alumni, foundations, and corporations to invest in the ANDers Campaign; to shape lives, communities and drive a future full of promise. GB Magazine is proud to highlight leaders supporting this mission, and Garry Ridge is the Co-Chair of the National University Foundation ANDers Campaign.
#1 Garry Ridge grew up in Sydney, Australia.
#2 Favorite travel destinations: Fiji and Italy.
#3 I would like to visit The Pyramids.
#4 Favorite movie: “The Godfather”.
#5 Book Recommendations: A favorite is – “Everything You Need to Know You Learned in Kindergarten”.
#6 Garry Ridge have an 80-pound rescue dog named Max, he is a lab, shepherd, Great Dane mix.
#7 Hobbies: Teaching and learning.
#8 It is important for you to give back to your community; we need to make the world a better, happier place.
#9 Garry Ridge got involved with National University Foundation through my connection with Dr. Lee Rice, Vice Chair of the NU Board of Trustees. I have been an ANDer myself – working my way through school while juggling life’s many responsibilities as CEO of WD-40 Company, a US public company. So, when I learned about National University’s campaign to support today’s ANDers™, I did not hesitate to get involved. My daughter is a proud NU alum. These students are not just learning – they are leading, giving back, and building stronger communities every day. It is an honor to champion their journey.
#10 The annual National University Foundation Gala will be held September 12, 2025, aboard the iconic USS Midway Museum. Every dollar raised directly supports scholarships and wraparound services for students, many of whom are active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses striving to advance their education and careers.
National University Foundation
2025 National University Foundation Gala
Friday, September 12, 2025
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, 92101
www.nu.edu/nu-foundation-gala
