Donor Stories

Striking All the Right Notes
Evelyn Chernikoff remembers her first discovery of WKSU-FM, Kent State University's National Public Radio affiliate, during her long drives...
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A Will to Succeed
It was a mild summer evening late in July 2006, but the student callers in the Kent State Phone Center weren't enjoying a vacation like many of their peers.
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Building a Legacy Through Charitable Gift Annuities
It's a story that's typically American: War-torn immigrant family arrives in the U.S. with limited resources, son overcomes difficult childhood and gets second-chance opportunity...
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A Gift That Honors the Impact of Education
Kent State supporters have many reasons behind their charitable contributions, but one of the most common is to honor a loved one's experience here.
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The Simplest Way to Create a Kent State Legacy? Designate Us!
You're never too young to begin estate planning. For 40-year-old Chad Peterson, '93, that plan includes a charitable contribution for his alma mater, Kent State...
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From China to Kent State to Success
Emeritus Professor of Chemistry Debbie Fu-Tai Tuan had been giving to the Kent State Annual Fund for 23 years when she approached the university's Center for Gift and Estate Planning...
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Remembering Loved Ones Through the Gift of Education
As Karen Novotny Tischer tells the story, Kent State is responsible for her existence. "Mother wouldn't marry dad until he got a real job," she says.
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Judy Devine: Why I Give
Each of us has a different story regarding how, when and why we reached the decision to make a sizable contribution to Kent State University.
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Gift Examples

Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities.
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Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it.
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Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her husband had raised their children. After her husband passed, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her home.
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Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Lewis 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.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current Gifts
As 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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Deferred Gift Annuity
Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.
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Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Jonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. The home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000.
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A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.
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Leading for the Future
Luke and Candice 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 Trust
While visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.
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Providing for Our Children's Future
Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.
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