 Corrine McCarthy '51: Investing in Women"The College of St. Catherine, my intellectual haven! Years ago, St. Kate’s provided me with an education for meaningful work — but even more, St. Kate’s stimulated my interest in and appreciation for lifelong learning.
"I wanted other women to benefit from the same fine education that I received at St. Catherine’s. In my estate planning, I decided to give something back. I wanted to determine the disposition of my assets and not abandon this decision to chance. I decided to steward my own resources. After all, women’s philanthropy is about choices, and I have chosen to make an investment in women’s education at St. Catherine’s.
"In 1996, I converted appreciated stock into a charitable trust for the College. I was so pleased with my charitable remainder unitrust that I added to the trust in 1998 and plan to continue making additions. It’s been a 'win-win-win' opportunity for me because 1) I earn income from the trust; 2) I receive tax savings as a result of the charitable contribution; and 3) I experience the sheer joy of giving to the College of St. Catherine. I am delighted that future generations will benefit from this gift.
"For generations, women have generously volunteered their time and energy to many causes. Now, women also must understand the value and power of financial contributions. Now, women must invest in women!" |
 Jennifer Driscoll '88: Giving Back "My experience at St. Kate’s went far beyond the classroom and curriculum. The faculty and staff were dedicated to each student as a whole person. St. Kate’s gave me the tools to tackle big challenges and the confidence to be who I am.
"One of the most important things I learned at St. Catherine’s was to strive to be a leader, to set an example and to live my values. Right now that means not only achieving excellence in my career, but also being the best parent I can be to my two children. That’s why, even though we are fairly young, my husband and I have already prepared a will.
"Because I work in financial services, I knew it was important to have a will and to engage in estate planning. It’s easier than most people think. An attorney helped us design an excellent plan that provides for our children, as well as for charitable gifts. I am convinced that decisions about our children’s future — and that includes decisions about our assets — are too important to leave to someone else.
"I feel strongly about giving something back to St. Catherine’s. I was supported each year by generous scholarships. I couldn’t have attended college without them. Thanks, in part, to the extraordinary education I experienced, I now enjoy an exciting, satisfying and rewarding career. The gift the College will receive one day from my estate will make it possible for other women to share in the remarkable St. Catherine’s experience. And that means the world to me." |
 Anne Dolan Kelly '43: The Greater Good"It has been extremely gratifying for me to contribute to the College of St. Catherine’s wonderful work. My family has many ties to the College, as my sisters and nieces also graduated from St. Catherine’s, and I have remained close to the College through Alumnae Association activities.
"My late husband, Jim, and I were deliberate and thoughtful about financial planning. As an insurance and financial professional, I know that charitable gifts can provide a guaranteed retirement income with significant tax savings. In addition to funding a scholarship and donations to the Annual Fund, through careful estate planning, I have been able to fund several gift annuities and to plan a bequest for the college. While tax savings are certainly not the primary motivation, the tax advantages have made it viable for me to make a planned gift.
"I am impressed with the way St. Catherine’s has remained true to its Catholic values even as the College has changed with the times, always innovative, yet consistently devoted to the body, mind and spirit of every student. Over the years, the College has been a great source of strength and interest to me and has so enriched my life. I want to feel that I am a part of its future, and my gifts assure that I will be. These commitments are an expression of my deep appreciation to the sisters and faculty for my fine education. I want future students to experience the advantages I enjoyed because of the College.
"I think we all wish to be part of something larger than ourselves, a part of a wider community. The key to the College’s future is more and greater financial support and participation. A planned gift is an excellent way to participate. Together, there is so much we can accomplish." |
 Tom Kressin and Mary Owens Kressin '53: Doing What MattersMary: "Even though we’ve lived halfway across the country for more than 40 years, I feel close to the College because we have a very active alumnae group here. Tom and I have attended alumnae functions regularly for years. I have fond memories of St. Kate’s, and it’s great to be able to keep in touch."
Tom: "Over the years, we have met many alumnae from the College of St. Catherine. We really enjoy these contacts, and I’ve come to appreciate what St. Kate’s means to Mary. When we began our estate planning, a gift to the College was a logical choice."
Mary and Tom: "This gift represents a true win-win situation. We wanted to sell a property that we purchased some years ago. Donating the property to a trust and converting the funds from the sale of the property within the trust created both short-term and long-term benefits for us, as well as long-term benefits for the College of St. Catherine. When we set up the trust, we received a charitable deduction for our donation. We avoided paying capital gains tax on the appreciated property, so we have already benefited from the gift. We will also receive an annual distribution from the trust to augment our income. The principal eventually will belong to St. Kate’s, and we know that with the excellent leadership the College enjoys, the funds will make a real difference in women’s education.
Two things surprised us in all this. First, it’s possible for ordinary people like us, people who are not wealthy, to make gifts that have long-term benefits for the College. And second, it’s possible to make a simple, uncomplicated donation. Most important, we know we’ve been able to do something good, something that matters." |