Foundation & Development: Planned Giving

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider a gift to ?
Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often gifts are made:

To express gratitude for the education you received
To honor a loved one or a professor who was important to your education
To ensure will remain a vibrant and strong place for today’s students and for future students
To help provide the very best in education to students, regardless of their finances
To celebrate a special occasion—such as your reunion

What sort of assets can I use to make a gift?
Almost anything: cash, publicly traded securities, part of the balance in your retirement account, a life insurance policy. Other assets can be very valuable but are more complicated to administer and must be reviewed by us before we can accept them as gifts: real estate, closely held stock, and artwork/collectibles.

I am unable to make a current gift, but I would still like to support . What can I do?
If you wish to support our mission, you can plan now for a future gift through a bequest under your will. We would be pleased to provide suggested language to you or your attorney to ensure you can create your legacy.

Can I create an income stream for myself with my gift?
Yes! offers several options that can pay you income. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs.

How will recognize my gift?
If you make a planned gift, you will become a permanent member of The Legacy Society. We will honor requests for anonymity.

Can I transfer my IRA (or a portion of it) to and avoid income tax on the transfer?
Unfortunately legislation that allowed a donor to direct lifetime distributions to us without incurring income-tax liability expired at the end of 2009.

You may still make a withdrawal from your IRA or other type of retirement plan, pay income tax on the withdrawal, and donate the proceeds to us. These gifts can be made outright or can fund a life-income gift (gift annuity or charitable remainder trust) and will generate an income-tax charitable deduction.