Beloit College

Reunion Giving: Many Ways to Show Appreciation

Besides being a great time to get reacquainted with friends, reunions create the occasion for alumni to consider their relationship with Beloit College. For most, there is a desire to “give something back” to the institution that has made such a dramatic difference in their lives. Many alumni are loyal supporters of Beloit College on an annual basis. For these reasons and more, reunion giving efforts provide the ideal opportunity to invite new and increased support as well as honor the loyal support of so many alumni.

The June Martin Reunion Challenge

June Bjorklund Martin’40, who would have celebrated her 70th reunion this fall, left a sizable gift to Beloit in her estate. To honor her passion for Beloit and for reunion celebrations, we are pleased to announce the June Martin Reunion Challenge.

The June Martin Reunion Challenge will match an increase in any reunion gift to the Beloit Fund where the donor reaches a new gift club level. For example, if you increase your $500 gift to $1,000 and become a member of the Chapin Society, the Martin Challenge will match the $500 increase, resulting in a $1,500 donation credited to your class’ reunion giving efforts. Gifts given from June 1, 2010 until May 31, 2011 will be eligible for this match. Please read on for ways to commemorate your reunion.

Ways to Commemorate your Reunion

Beloit Fund

Unrestricted support through the Beloit Fund remains a key component of the College’s fiscal strength. Gifts of all sizes are important.

Chapin Society Gifts

A reunion gift of $1,000 or more to the Beloit Fund demonstrates a deep commitment to sustaining and enhancing the quality of Beloit. As a Chapin Society member, you are invited to the Chapin reception at the President’s House on Saturday afternoon during Reunion weekend to enjoy refreshments and conversation with the President and fellow Chapin alumni. Join now with an online gift.

Bequests

Even if you need your hard-earned assets for current or anticipated future expenses (such as children’s college tuition or your own health care), you can include a future gift to Beloit College in your will or living trust as a Reunion gift. A bequest gift won’t compromise your own personal financial security, and can always be altered during your lifetime if circumstances change. Simply state a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to benefit Beloit College. Sample bequest language is available here. When you inform Beloit that the College is included in your estate plans, you are enrolled in the Heritage Society.

Endowment Gifts

Your Reunion is a unique opportunity to express personal connections to Beloit in a lasting way. By establishing a new named endowed fund, or by giving to an existing fund, you can honor or memorialize a professor, a family member or a classmate and provide perpetual support for scholarships, a department, a favorite program or a professorship. An endowed fund can be established with a gift now, with a bequest in a will or trust, or a combination of the two. Creating an endowed fund is the perfect way to recognize the great education you received by ensuring that those benefits will be preserved for future generations of students.

Annuities and Trusts

Beloit offers a variety of ways to make a tax-deductible gift that will provide income to you for life. A charitable gift annuity can be a great option for locking in a favorable rate of return, while charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts offer some different choices for larger gifts. All provide an income tax deduction in the year you establish the gift, and part of your payments may also be tax-free. Best of all, you make a significant gift to support the future of Beloit. Our Goals and Gifts chart illustrates how a gift can benefit you and Beloit. Another benefit of these planned gifts is lifelong membership in the Heritage Society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reunion Giving:

What counts as a Reunion 2010 Gift?

The combined reunion gift total includes all gifts and pledges made since June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2011. Beloit Fund gifts, gifts designated for special purposes, and planned gifts are all counted in reunion gift totals. The Class of 1960 has special guidelines for its 50th Reunion gift.

How does Reunion Giving impact the Classic. Daring. Life-changing. campaign?

The Classic. Daring. Life-Changing. campaign is a 5-year, $100 million campaign that has already changed the face of the College with a new Center for the Sciences and will increase the endowment so that Beloit can better serve its students. Reunions during the course of the campaign occur at a time when your gift will make the biggest impact on the future of Beloit College. All gifts will be counted toward both your reunion and the campaign totals.

What are the Gift Club levels?

Graduating classes of the last decade have special Chapin Society gift levels. Visit www.beloit.edu/giving/waystogive for more information.

Who do I contact if I have questions about Reunion Giving?

If you have questions about reunion giving contact Tim McKearn, Director of Major Gifts. You may also contact Beloit’s Office of Gift Planning at legacy@beloit.edu or call Pam Prescott, Director of Planned Giving Services at 1-800-331-4943 to discuss your ideas for making a lasting difference.