Creating Your Legacy

Creating Your Legacy

Thank you for investing in the future of Lawrence University. There are many ways in which you can begin to build your Lawrence-Downer legacy, but how do you get started? Lawrence is committed to working with you and your advisor(s) to identify and implement the most appropriate charitable legacy that best suits your family, financial and philanthropic goals. We invite you peruse this section of our website to discover ways in which you can build your Lawrence-Downer legacy today.

Check Out Our Monthly Feature Articles:

What Lasts?

I ask the question at three-score years and ten—the biblical life span. My marriage had its golden anniversary; four children are grown, educated, employed and married! We have nine darling grandchildren. My life is fulfilled, but my house is filled full. What has lasting value? More

"Insuring" Our Lawrence Legacy

Lawrence opened the door for us to many opportunities. It was where we met, made lifelong friendships and received an incredible liberal arts education. As Lawrence students we experienced a sense of community in which we were challenged intellectually and encouraged to step out of our comfort zone. More

Marlene Crupi Widen

"My husband, Len, and I are products of the Great Depression. Both of us worked our way through college without financial assistance." More

Paving the Way with Her Legacy

Passing beneath the arches of Holton and McLaren Halls and under the canopy of trees that inspired Hawthornden's name was a familiar path for Milwaukee-Downer students. More

Don't Miss Your Chance: Make Tax-Free Gifts From Your IRA Today!
If you are 70½ or older, the extended charitable IRA rollover legislation benefits you! While easy to accomplish, this tax-smart gift option enables you to jump-start your legacy and witness the benefits of your generosity to Lawrence University. Take a moment to review the questions and answers here to see if this arrangement is right for you. More

Is Facebook Part of Your Estate?
Have you thought about your online legacy? Learn what to consider when planning your estate in an era of social networking. More

When Your Online Passwords Become Your Heirs' Problem
Protecting your online information and access is crucial. But how? More

The Dangers of DIY Wills
Don't let your family lose money to legal fees, taxes and interest because of a do-it-yourself will. Learn a lesson from this real-life example of a DIY will gone wrong. More

Intellectual Property 101: Intangible Assets
Every year, thieves steal more than $300 billion in mostly invisible assets from U.S. companies and individuals. Learn how you can protect your ideas and other intangible assets. More

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Legacies...

"In addition to giving to The Lawrence Fund every year, I named Lawrence a beneficiary of my first retirement account. While I do not have much to give now, I learned I could take this simple step to ensure Lawrence will receive something - hopefully much more - later."
- Ken Alvord '07

"My parents loved Lawrence as I do, and the lead trust my mother established in my father's memory, Raymond Herzog '38, allowed our family to offer important support to Lawrence. This gift not only assisted my mother's estate bit it ultimately benefited me and my brothers."
- Mollie Herzog Keys '64

F. Stansbury Young (Stans) and his ancestors understood that philanthropy was essential to building a strong institution of learning. Stan's generous estate gift will support theater students with financial need through the F. Theodore Cloak Scholarship.
- F. Stansbury Young '36

"Our lives would not be what they are today if not for Lawrence and the outstanding friendships we made there., which is why we included our alma mater in our will."
- John '94 and Mary Bachhuber '92

"As a member of the Legacy Circle, I'm able to show my gratitude and pay it forward to make sure that the Lawrence community stays strong and that future Lawrentians have the opportunity to feel the same way."
- Jennifer B. Hair '08

"Membership in the Legacy Circle allows me to honor my grandparents whose deep admiration for our alma mater offered me an example to emulate. I am happy to know that my actions will afford future Lawrentians the chance to experience similarly rich and diverse opportunities within the liberal arts curriculum."
- James Spofford Reeve III '95

"When asked to join the Legacy Circle we agreed that this was something we should do. Lawrence gave us both a wonderful education at a bargain price. It was time to 'pay back' so that future students might have the opportunity we had. It feels good to be involved. Please join us!"
- Frank '55 and Carol Svoboda '57

"Remembering Lawrence in my will is an easy and perfect way to say 'thank you.' I encourage all Downer and Lawrence graduates to become members of the Legacy Circle and help future students pursue their dreams."
- Marian Kirkpatrick Torian M-D'44

In reflecting on her decision to join Legacy Circle, Arlene comments, "It was a very easy thing to do and it gives me joy to give back to my alma mater. It really was a no-brainer!"
- Arlene Atwood Trettin'61

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