Spring 2008 Newsletter · Issue 31
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The Gift that Gives Back
Article contributed by the Office of Planned Giving.
Al Williams ’61, P’89, earned a degree in psychology from Wesleyan, with the career goal of conducting research on social problems. In true Wes tradition, his life’s work has had profound and broad-reaching impact, providing a scientific foundation for the adoption of child restraint laws, “Click it or Ticket” programs, and graduated licensing. In 2006, he received Wesleyan’s Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his professional achievements.
Al acknowledges that he feels a compelling life-long bond with Wesleyan. “It was a magical place for me that opened up my world.”
That bond has been further solidified for Al and his wife Wendy through the experiences of their son David ’89, whose time at Wesleyan was in many ways different, and in many ways the same, as Al’s experience almost 30 years earlier.
For Al and Wendy, it has been important to give back to Wesleyan in a meaningful way, and so they have done, generously supporting the wrestling team and the Wesleyan Annual Fund through the years. Al also has held many volunteer roles as well, serving on the Wesleyan Annual Fund National Committee and as a Reunion class agent, helping to forge the financial strength of this university.
As Al’s 50th reunion approaches, he and Wendy considered how best to make an even more significant impact on the future of Wesleyan, and chose to fund a charitable gift annuity through the sale of some highly appreciated, low-income-producing stock.
Benefits to Al and Wendy include:
- annuity income payments for the rest of their lives, guaranteed by Wesleyan and backed by University assets;
- avoidance of the capital gains tax on the stock transfer in the year of their gift — they are able to spread the gain over a period of years;
- a charitable income tax deduction in the year of their gift;
- an opportunity to make a substantial gift that will benefit Wesleyan’s endowment for the future;
- a gift which reflects their passion for the educational process.
To obtain a detailed proposal, all you need to provide are the number (one or two) and ages of likely income recipients, and whether cash or publicly held stock will fund your gift.
You too can create a legacy for Wesleyan’s future in honor of your student by establishing a charitable gift annuity today. It’s a win-win situation for you and for Wesleyan’s students of tomorrow.
For more information: