Donor Stories
See how supporters like you can make an impact on SMU and other non-profit organizations.
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Her Personal Triumphs Inspire Her ServiceRoger and Judy Ecker establish Charitable Remainder Trust to support future students.
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Scholarship Donor Always Wanted to be a NurseDolores Barbera's endowed scholarship at SMU helps Nursing students pursue their dreams.
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Gift from San Francisco Stockbroker Helps Nursing StudentsIn her estate plans, Jane Steel, one of the first women stockbrokers at a major San Francisco firm, left a generous bequest for a nursing scholarship at Samuel Merritt University.
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PROVIDENCE NURSING ALUMNA PLANS SCHOLARSHIPAnita Wies, Providence '60 (pictured with husband Reggie Bronner), creates a scholarship through her trust in honor of her parents and the nursing career "I loved beyond measure."
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THE POWER OF APPRECIATED ASSSETSAlumni Michael Starkweather, DPM '03, and his wife Danielle Starkweather, BSN '03, have endowed a scholarship to help recognize and recruit student athletes to Samuel Merritt University.
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TRUSTS: VISIONARY GIFT BENEFITS MATERNAL HEALTH, BIRTH EQUITY, AND MOREThrough her revocable living trust, Millicent A. Zaludek, a generous nature-lover, hiker, and world traveler, has created three SMU programs addressing critical health equity needs, including maternal health and birth equity.
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EXTRAORDINARY BEQUEST FUNDS PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND NURSING SCHOLARSHIPSEstate gift from Dr. Russell Lewis, DPM '65, funds Nursing and Podiatry Scholarships. Lewis shared, "We wanted to give back in a way that would help others to follow in our professional footsteps."
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Giving from a Retirement PlanMarilyn Snider, Former Samuel Merritt University Regent, Multiplies Care for Others through a Scholarship
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Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to CharityJoanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
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Fixed Income for RetirementAfter working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire.
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Tax-Free SaleHoward and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
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Capital Gains Tax BypassedPeter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
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Peace of Mind Gift AnnuityMany years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was very pleased with her home, she bought stock in the company that built the home.
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Endowment GiftPat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
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Sale and UnitrustGene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
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The Retirement UnitrustMary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
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Property Turns Into IncomeMiranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
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Flexible Deferred Gift AnnuityLuis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially in value.
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Part Gift and Part SaleSusan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current GiftsAs is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)Keith has been a faithful supporter of Samuel Merritt University and makes regular gifts to support our work.
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Transferable on Death (TOD) GiftsHarold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Samuel Merritt University held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
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A Bequest to Further Good WorkNancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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Deferred Gift AnnuitySeveral years ago, Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock.
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What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
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Gift Annuity for Real EstateJonathan purchased his home many years ago for $80,000. The home is now worth $420,000. Jonathan wants to sell his home and buy a condo for $130,000.
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A Bequest to Save TaxesThomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
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Leading for the FutureLuke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice TrustWhile visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
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Providing for Our Children's FutureRon and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
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Bequest of InsuranceMarla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
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Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
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