Ƶ LEADS is our campaign, and now is the time for us to make a commitment to Ƶ’s future. Why? Because every donor and every gift counts toward the campaign, which concludes Dec. 31, 2022, so we all have a role to play. By making gifts of every size, our collective support will strengthen the experiences and relationships that will transform Ƶ students for generations to come.
Annual gifts to Ƶ are put to use right away, making an immediate impact on students. Claudia Rodriguez ’17 is an annual donor and a member of The 1889 Society. “I am forever grateful for all the things that made my time at Ƶ so special. I often reflect on those special people, unique opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and remember that much of it would not have been possible if it weren’t for all the people who support Ƶ and its vision,” Claudia says. “I give back to Ƶ because I want other students to be able to have some of those incredible experiences that I had. … I want them to feel that they bELONg.”
Donors can also support all campaign priorities through estate and other planned gifts. These commitments serve as a vital source of long-term funding for Ƶ and may also provide financial benefits to you. For Lee Leckie ’98, making an estate gift was an ideal way to sustain the university for future students and provide for himself and his family without parting with any assets now. “Estate gifts allow alumni to make a commitment today for the future and to make sure Ƶ continues to get stronger,” says Lee. “It’s the best feeling in the world!”
Endowment gifts are essential to the university’s future and the success of Ƶ LEADS. These contributions provide invaluable support through annual earnings, while establishing a permanent, self-sustaining funding source that lives on in perpetuity. Establishing an endowment allows you to create an enduring legacy of support for Ƶ and future generations. “There is so much financial need out there with students, including students at Ƶ,” says Ƶ parent and Trustee Bill Inman P’00, who together with wife Pat endowed 10 Inman Family Scholarships in the university’s Odyssey Program. “We want to make it possible for these students to get a great education at Ƶ and graduate without taking on unbearable debt.”
Gifts to capital projects help Ƶ create and sustain a dynamic and nationally recognized living-learning environment. Trustee Mark Mahaffey and wife Marianne, who are Ƶ parents, made a generous lead gift to support one of the campaign’s top capital priorities, The Inn at Ƶ. The stunning 80-room boutique hotel provides much-needed on-campus lodging for alumni, parents, prospective students and other campus visitors. “We firmly believe The Inn at Ƶ is making a big difference and further strengthens Ƶ’s national reputation for excellence,” says Mark Mahaffey. “We are so proud of this effort.” Multiple facilities have been completed in the campaign’s early phase. Many opportunities remain to make an impact
All gifts made by Dec. 31, 2022, count toward the Ƶ LEADS Campaign. Explore the different forms of giving we offer to find the best option that not only benefits Ƶ but also maximizes your tax benefits and the value of your gift.
