Meet Our Donors
Below are some real-life examples of how Northeastern donors have made planned gifts.
- Amy Stephson, L'77 | Bequest
- Thomas Kerr, E'69, ME'71 and Carol Kerr, Ed'73, Med'76 | Bequest
- Joanne Lynch, LA'78, MEd'90 | Bequest
- Jim Madigan, BA '86 | Bequest
- Paul Joubert, BA '71 | Charitable Gift Annuity
- Michael Winston, BA '10 | Bequest
- Janet Bullard, MBA'78 | Charitable Remainder Trust
- Donald J. Kramer, BA'59 | Planned Gift of Retirement Assets
- Irving Levine, E'57 | Charitable Remainder Trust
- Patricia Hanna, UC'74, H'98 | Charitable Gift Annuity
- Bill and Louise Collins, E'56, LA'56 | Charitable Gift Annuity
- Janet M. Smith, L'79 | Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity
- Paul Hirtle, E'56 | Bequest
Bequest
Amy Stephson, L'77
When Amy Stephson, L'77, reflects on her initial interest in law, she remembers one thing: Her fervent desire to improve the world by helping others in need. Believing deeply in the law's ability to generate change, she enrolled in Northeastern's School of Law in 1974.
For Amy, the school's cooperative learning program stands out most during her years as a student. She had the opportunity to practice at firms in Vermont and Anchorage—where she worked on a contract to provide pre-paid legal services to the Teamsters working on the Alaska pipeline—and at two legal services offices in the Boston area. These diverse experiences helped shape Amy's career and influence her professional pursuits.
Today, a practicing attorney with nearly 35 years of legal experience as well as a certified professional coach who provides workplace and business training, Amy gives her law school education much of the credit for her career path. "NUSL taught me to be resourceful and look beyond the routine career options that many lawyers chose," she says. "It also taught me that each of us could create our own vision of a career and work to make it a reality."
Inspired by the law school's mission and motivated to ensure that future students have the opportunity to attend Northeastern, Amy decided to support her alma mater by including NUSL in her estate plans. She shares, "Northeastern trains students to be thoughtful, skilled lawyers and to heal and repair the world in part through cooperative legal education. This is why I have named the law school as a beneficiary of my estate."
Like Amy, you can designate your gift to the college or program of your choice.
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Bequest
Thomas Kerr, E'69, ME'71 and Carol Kerr, Ed'73, Med'76
First-generation college graduates, Thomas and Carol Kerr often think back fondly on their years at Northeastern. Once the "concrete campus" that they remember, the university now boasts new research facilities, increased global learning opportunities, and exceptional interdisciplinary faculty hires. Among the many advances that they find impressive, one constant remains: Northeastern is leading the way in academic and experiential education.
The Kerrs benefited from co-op and praise those experiences for enriching their professional and personal lives. Carol's involvement with the Headstart program inspired her passion for giving, volunteering, and improving the lives of others in the community – a path she pursued professionally as an educator. Through his various co-ops, Tom learned that his interests within engineering rested more in collaborating directly with people rather than focusing on industry manufacturing. It was co-op that allowed Tom and Carol to identify and define their professional passions.
Tom shares, "Northeastern provided a foundation for both of us to grow professionally through the years and achieve what we were able to achieve. We felt it was appropriate to give back."
To support the university, the Kerrs have included Northeastern in their estate plans. Tom shares, "As first-generation college graduates, it's important to us that Northeastern remains committed to providing all students with access to higher education. This is why we have named the university as a beneficiary of our estate."
Consider a charitable gift to Northeastern in your will and help support future generations of students.
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Bequest
Joanne Lynch, LA'78, MEd'90
For Joanne Lynch, attending Northeastern University was the first important life decision she ever made and it continues to impact her to this day.
Her memorable and influential co-op experiences prompted her to pursue a rewarding career in higher education and counseling. Today, as the assistant dean of admissions at the University of Rhode Island, Lynch credits Northeastern's co-op program as the foundation of her accomplished professional career.
Lynch remains enthusiastically dedicated to the university through alumni engagement and philanthropy. Recently, she was inspired to name Northeastern as a beneficiary of her will to ensure that future generations of students benefit from experiential learning, just as she did years earlier.
»Learn more about Joanne's story
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Bequest
Jim Madigan, BA '86
Jim Madigan, BA'86 has already established quite a legacy at Northeastern. As an alumnus of the College of Business Administration, an accomplished Husky hockey player, and three-time Beanpot champion, Madigan continues his 25-year tenure with the university as the new head coach for men's hockey.
"I have a tremendous passion for this university and for the athletics program. Northeastern is a world-class institution and Boston is a world-class city," he shares. To this end, Jim and his wife Kimberly, PAH'83, have named the university as a beneficiary in their will — furthering their legacy at Northeastern. Their generosity will support future generations of student athletes and sustain Northeastern's comprehensive, high-quality intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation program.
If you dream of making a lasting difference, unleash the power in your will and take your shot at supporting Northeastern!
Learn how you can give for the future right now. Contact us today.
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Charitable Gift Annuity
Paul Joubert, BA '71
Paul Joubert, BA'71, had a dream: to become a first-generation college student. Northeastern's co-op program made it financially possible to make his dream a reality.
"The real-time practical application of what I learned during my co-op experience, in conjunction with what I learned at school, prepared me for the rest of my life," he says.
Joubert went on to build a successful thirty-eight-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world's largest professional services firms. Working with Northeastern, he carefully planned a series of charitable gift annuities, providing him with income today, and has named the university as a beneficiary in his will. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers is matching a portion of Joubert's gift through its partner benefit program.
Learn how you can give for the future right now. Contact us today.
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Bequest
Michael Winston BA '10
Michael Winston knew exactly what he wanted in a college. "I chose Northeastern because of everything it offers," he says. "I wanted to build my resumé with amazing real–world experiences. I wanted opportunities to travel abroad. And I wanted the excitement of living in Boston."
His choice paid off and today, Michael is working as a consultant, a job he secured during his final semester. But the young alumnus isn't just forging his own future—he's planning for Northeastern's, too.
In appreciation for his Northeastern experience, Michael and his parents, Jeffrey and Susan, have named the university as a beneficiary of their estate. The gift, which costs them nothing during their lifetime, will ensure that future students benefit from Northeastern's unique brand of learning.
"If something were to happen to my parents and me tomorrow, we want to be sure the money is put to good use," says Michael. "When I considered which charities I wanted to support with my inheritance, I immediately thought of Northeastern."
Show your appreciation. Establish your legacy. Plan your bequest gift
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Charitable Remainder Trust
Janet Bullard, MBA'78
Janet Bullard has never shied away from a challenge. She grew up in "absolute poverty" in her native Canada; was the only woman in her undergraduate business program; balanced a full-time job with her evening MBA studies; and forged a highly-successful career path in the rough-and-tumble financial management industry.
Janet credits Northeastern with paving the way. "Northeastern was very different, very practical. It's right in the city, not separate from people or from the world. And I think that gives it a distinct advantage."
In her gratitude, Janet has named Northeastern as a beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust established through her estate. The gift, which costs her nothing during her lifetime, is a simple arrangement with a significant impact. Additionally, she also has pledged to fund a scholarship for Business Administration students.
"We have to step in and help those with financial need," Janet says. "Education played such a role in my success. I want to ensure that similar opportunities are within reach for future generations."
Janet's legacy will be providing future students access to a Northeastern education.
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Planned Gift of Retirement Assets
Donald J. Kramer, BA'59
Donald J. Kramer, BA ’59, graduated from Northeastern University with the belief he was well prepared.
“I always felt I knew more than people I was up against,” he quips.
After managing and selling a series of small technology companies, Kramer became a venture capitalist and served on multiple corporate boards.
Kramer’s professional success luckily provided him with substantial retirement assets. After reviewing his financial situation, Kramer decided to designate Northeastern as the beneficiary of one of his retirement accounts.
“I had accumulated assets in a tax-free sheltered account and expected it would provide for my family. But I learned the government would take 70 percent once I died because of double taxation — you have to pay income tax, plus a hefty estate tax.”
“By creating a planned gift at Northeastern, I avoid the double tax and put the funds to good use to help the university at minimal cost to me. It’s win-win-win,” declares Kramer. “It’s effective retirement planning, and lets me give back to the school that launched me.”
Designating Northeastern as the ultimate beneficiary of your retirement assets can be a tax efficient way to support the University.
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Charitable Remainder Trust
Irving Levine, E'57
Irving Levine, E ’57, is the classic American success story. He ventured out west in 1961 with $100 in his pocket to try his hand in California.
With luck, hard work and drive, Levine built the flourishing Multiquip Construction Equipment Corp. in Carson, California.
He recently sold the company, which allowed Levine more time for his family and charitable endeavors. But the sale also left him with tax issues and the question of what to do with a lump sum of money.
Levine had always credited his business success to his education, and so decided to establish a charitable remainder trust benefiting Northeastern.
“This gift was the smart thing to do. It was a great solution for me, because I was able to benefit the university while avoiding capital gains tax and securing income for my family all at the same time,” says Levine
“This gift is an expression of my thanks and respect for Northeastern. But the real advantage is that it will help educate young minds — there’s nothing more important than that.”
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Charitable Gift Annuity
Patricia Hanna, UC'74, H'98
When Patricia Hanna was working for Houghton Chemical in the 1970s, the owners recognized her potential. They offered Hanna the opportunity to attend Northeastern at night. As a measure of her deep appreciation, she now helps others pursue higher education. Her vehicle of choice is the charitable gift annuity.
"The planned giving program is wonderful because the income for life generated by an annuity doesn’t have to come back to me. I can share my success with others who are important in my life," said Hanna.
With the help of Northeastern's Office of Gift Planning, Patricia has creatively established annuities that provide lifetime income to her sister and other friends. She also takes great satisfaction in knowing that, eventually, the balance of the annuity will come to benefit specific areas of special interest to her at Northeastern.
Hanna also provides scholarships involving the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Fund for the Public Interest at the Northeastern School of Law, as well as the Torch Scholars Program.
"If you receive a gift and it improves your life, then in the future give it back and keep it going. It's a chain that exceeds your lifetime."
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Charitable Gift Annuity
Bill and Louise Collins, E'56, LA'56
“If we can do it, so can you,” say Bill and Louise Collins, (E '56, LA '56) . With a little imagination, they were able to make a meaningful gift to Northeastern University.
“We first met at Northeastern, and the University has always played an important role in our lives,” says Bill. “When we saw others of our generation giving back, we were inspired to express our appreciation as well; that’s why we set up a charitable gift annuity. The bonus is that it will provide us income well into the future.”
“We realized that you don’t have to be the wealthiest person to make a real difference in the future of an institution,” explains Louise. “It is a great source of pride to know that we are doing just that — making a difference for Northeastern University. And all it took was a little imagination.”
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Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity
Janet M. Smith, L'79
Boston trusts and estate attorney Janet M. Smith, L’79, often sees baby boomer clients with a particular problem.
“They’ve realized terrific gains through investments and face stiff capital gains tax. They don’t need income now, but will in retirement,” says Smith.
“I often advise them to set up a deferred gift annuity, which provides a tax deduction now and income in retirement.”
Smith makes this recommendation from her personal experience. She and her husband set up a deferred gift annuity with Northeastern to benefit the Law School. They transferred appreciated stock to create a fund that will generate fixed payments when they retire.
“Northeastern prepared me professionally and gave me a competitive edge. This is a great way of thanking the university. It let me make a gift I could afford, knowing it will also provide income when I need it,” notes Smith.
“I encourage more mid-career professionals to explore this option. It’s a way of helping Northeastern and building a sound financial plan for the future."
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Bequest
Paul Hirtle, E'56
“Investing in a Northeastern education as a student was one of the most important decisions of my life,” says Paul Hirtle, E '56.
Not only did Northeastern prepare him for a successful professional career with Sylvania, Polaroid, and GTE, but he also met his late wife, Joanne, while on co-op.
In gratitude, Hirtle plans to leave the majority of his estate to Northeastern. His bequest will one day establish two endowed funds in mechanical engineering — for scholarships, equipment, and research — creating a lasting legacy to his generosity.
“Through this bequest, I am able to help ensure the future of the University and its students. That, to me, is incredibly rewarding,” says Hirtle.
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