For many Northwestern alumni, now is the prime of life – the pinnacle of one’s career or business. These can be peak earning years, with high tax rates to match. The final payment may be in sight for home mortgages and college educations, but there may now be increased pressure to accumulate more retirement savings or arrange for the orderly transition of business interests. It’s time to reflect upon both the past and future, and many alumni find themselves looking back with gratitude on the Northwestern education that enriched their lives. “I want to give something back” is a common sentiment among classmates who are considering important contributions, such as named scholarships or planned gifts to support cherished programs at Northwestern. Certain gift arrangements can fit perfectly with their objectives.

Increase Income, Reduce Taxes. Friends who have found success in the stock market, a business or career, often are at a point where charitable remainder trusts make sense as a way to minimize income taxes, help the University and establish a solid income for life.

Supplement Retirement Savings. Many high-income professionals and executives are looking for tax relief during their years of high income and a supplementary retirement savings vehicle that permits tax-free growth of their nest egg. The “retirement unitrust,” or a deferred payment charitable gift annuity, can be useful planning tools for such individuals, providing significant deductions now and a good income after retirement.

Estate Planning. The approach of retirement in five or ten years should prompt a review of your estate plan. As you examine your will or living trust, we hope you will consider the good works and personal satisfaction a bequest to Northwestern can accomplish. Life insurance can serve as a convenient alternative for leaving a lasting legacy of education. Alumni also have a remarkable opportunity to blend their estate planning with support for the University by leaving us a portion of their IRAs or other retirement plans. Such funds, if left to family members, can be subject to both income taxes and “death taxes.” Simply contact the custodian of your account for the necessary beneficiary forms.

“Insure” Northwestern’s Future. Some alumni own “surplus” life insurance that was purchased when they had young families. The need for such insurance may no longer exist, but the policies can find new life as a thoughtful gift or bequest to the University.

Assistance for Parents. You can arrange a charitable gift annuity that makes generous payments to an aged parent, receive a large income tax charitable deduction and provide future assistance to Northwestern.

Reunion Giving

Reunions are a time for celebration at Northwestern. They provide an opportunity to remember the Northwestern experience, reconnect with the Northwestern community and reunite with old friends. As part of reunion celebrations, classes raise significant funds that support scholarships, the University's libraries, galleries, concert halls, sports venues, and the priorities of each of the schools.

Your Reunion Class gift can be fashioned in many ways, and can involve two or more gift methods in combination:

Outright Contributions. Many people make immediate gifts to benefit Northwestern simply by writing checks. There are special tax incentives, however, that enable alumni to magnify their support by contributing investment assets that have gone up in value, such as stocks or real estate. To learn more about these options, click here.

Gifts from Estate Plans. Estate gifts are extremely flexible and can be adapted to your changing circumstances and desire to assist Northwestern. They can be arranged, of course, through wills and revocable living trusts, but through other vehicles as well. To learn more about these options, click here.

Gifts with Retained Benefit. Important gifts can be structured to provide lifetime benefits to individuals (usually in the form of lifetime income) and later assistance to Northwestern. Donors receive sizable income tax charitable deductions and other tax rewards. To learn more about these options, click here.

Combination Gifts. Alumni often find it satisfying to make a Reunion Gift with cash, marketable securities or other assets, and at the same time make a provision for the University in their estate plans. Others may augment an immediate gift with a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust that can be established now or through their estate plans. These “blended” gifts are appealing because of the tremendous impact they can have on Northwestern both today and in the future.

Special Recognition. Alumni who inform us of estate gifts – including bequests they have arranged in years past – qualify for membership in The Henry and Emma Rogers Society. New or newly disclosed estate gifts count as part of your Reunion Class gift.



Our Office of Gift Planning would be pleased to answer any questions about reunion giving and to assist you in planning any gift. Feel free to contact Elizabeth Roghair at (847) 491-4429 or eroghair@northwestern.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!