The Legacy of Richard Chase and Sherman Devitt: Transforming Early Childhood Development
by Matt Bauer-Yuen
In 1983, Richard “Rick” Chase joined the Wilder Foundation on a one-year project studying single-parent families. What began as a temporary assignment turned into a 37-year research career ultimately focused on early childhood development, a cause that would intertwine with the generosity and vision of Sherman “Sherm” Devitt, his father-in-law. When Sherm passed away, he left a surprise that revealed the depths of his commitment to impacting children, families and communities.
An Unexpected Discovery
Rick's early work at Wilder revealed a critical insight: the disadvantages facing single parents often started early in their lives. Through his research, he discovered that teen moms didn’t drop out of school just because of their current circumstances. They had been failing in school as early as third grade and likely started school at a disadvantage, setting a trajectory of challenges that compounded over time.
This realization deepened Rick’s resolve to address inequities at their root. His work with Wilder Research and partnerships with organizations like Way to Grow and the Minnesota Department of Health focused on home visiting and family development. Rick championed the “iron triangle” concept—the strong relationship among education, health, and income—and advocated for interventions as early as possible to maximize long-term benefits.
A Legacy Rooted In Partnership
Sherm, Rick's father-in-law, was an accountant and successful businessman. He had a passion for education, particularly for disadvantaged college students, which led him to provide scholarships to Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Sherm would often attend Rick’s presentations on early childhood development, and over time gained a new perspective on how to impact people's education: Start investing earlier.
Rick emphasized to Sherm the importance of supporting students at all levels, especially when young brains are developing early in their lives. With Jose Diaz, a Wilder economist colleague, Rick developed a concept of the One-child School Readiness Dividend, which resonated deeply with Sherm. Ensuring a low-income child’s readiness for school translated to long-term economic value of an estimated $43,000 through reduced societal spending and improved life outcomes.
This pragmatic framing transformed Sherm’s approach to philanthropy. As Sherm opened to new gift ideas, Rick introduced him to Wilder’s Child Development Center (CDC), explaining the importance of continuity of care and how he could help maintain it for children in need. As a result, for 12 years, Sherm’s monthly gift to the Child Development Center ensured that many children did not lose access to quality childcare even when their parents lost childcare subsidies or employment.
A Humbling Experience
When Sherm passed away in May 2024, just four months shy of his 100th birthday, his estate revealed the depth of his generosity. Sherm left a legacy gift that created an endowment to permanently support tuition scholarships at the CDC, as well as the opportunity for his family to discuss how to best use a second legacy gift benefitting current needs of the CDC. At Sherm’s insistence, Rick’s name was attached to these contributions, honoring the guidance and passion he shared in shaping Sherm’s philanthropic vision.
Rick found the experience humbling. “It's an honor,” he reflected. Sherm’s legacy, Rick noted, would not just have an immediate impact, but would ensure long-term returns. Today, Rick and his wife Nancy continue to champion advocacy and empowerment, supporting Wilder’s Community Equity Program, the embodiment of “Nothing about us without us.” Rick’s research and Sherm’s generosity exemplify how partnerships rooted in shared values can transform lives, proving that investments in early childhood development yield dividends far beyond financial returns—they create enduring legacies of opportunity and hope.