Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving.

Donor Stories

Alumni couple uses IRA beneficiary designation to support Geneseo
For Jessica '00 and Peter '00 Blair, it wasn't a question of if they should support their alma mater, but how best to do so...
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Donor Sharon Bonk '65 leaves a legacy to support students and the College.
Sharon Bonk '65, who earned bachelor's degrees in library science and elementary education at SUNY Geneseo, has more than 40 years of experience in the many facets of...
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Sara Eigenberg '97
Sara is ensuring that future Geneseo students have access to the same meaningful college experience she had.
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New Scholarship for Music Students Created in Memory of William D. Leyerle
An endowed scholarship for SUNY Geneseo music students has been established by Betty Leyerle, the sister of William "Will" or "Bill" D. Leyerle, retired lecturer in the department of music, who passed away on June 27, 2020.
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Helen LiFeber-Rosener '60
From Scholarship Recipient to Scholarship Donor
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Douglas '68 and Janet '69 Nichols - Inspired by President MacVittie
When Doug Nichols '68 was asked to include SUNY Geneseo in his estate plans, he and his wife Janet '69 jumped at the chance.
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Creating Opportunities for Generations of Students
As a Geneseo student, John Merchant '70 and his family had limited resources. He says he was fortunate to receive scholarships and grants that helped him fill the financial gap...
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From a Career to a Legacy
James K. Somerville, professor of history emeritus, taught history at Geneseo for 30 years. Throughout his career and continuing during his retirement, he and his spouse, Arlene, have supported scholarships for Geneseo students...
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A Legacy of Supporting Geneseo
For Jack '76 and Carol '76 Kramer, including Geneseo in their estate plans is a logical extension of their lifelong passion for their alma mater...
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Scholarship Recipient Pays it Forward
Kim Berry '87 was a first generation college student. Neither her parents nor grandparents had been to college...
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Alumni Couple Elevates Access to Geneseo
Geneseo holds a special place in the hearts of Jonna '88 and John '90 Shutowick—and not just because it's where they met.
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A Gift Inspired by Nature
Rich Ferro '76 drew from his love of the outdoors when deciding how to support SUNY Geneseo.
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Rev. Jim Swarts '71 Provides Opportunities for Transformation
Rev. Jim Swarts '71 landed on the Geneseo campus after six years in the U.S. Navy. He graduated as a much different person.
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Andy Davis '94 Strengthens Connections and Creates Opportunities
Andy Davis '94 arrived in Geneseo as a transfer student his freshman year.
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Jim Cole '71 Provides Opportunities while Avoiding Taxes
Jim Cole '71 was a first-generation college student whose time at Geneseo was one of the first stepping stones in his professional career.
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Barbara Bilodeau ’86 Combines Current Giving with Bequest
Geneseo holds a special place in the heart of Barbara Bilodeau '86. "The quality of the professors and the wide variety of extracurricular...
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Gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure
Doug '89 and Stephanie '89 Dickman have been supporting Geneseo students with charitable gifts for more than 30 years. Their giving to the college began...
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Alumni Couple Pays it Forward with Bequest
Randy '84 and Carol '82 Kozlowski met as students at SUNY Geneseo and have since made Geneseo their home. With their recent bequest to the college they are helping to ensure the experiences they had will be available to future generations.
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Robert Muller '83 Continues a Tradition of Generosity
For Robert Muller '83, the tradition of generosity he learned as a Geneseo student has translated into a career of service, and a commitment to help...
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Giving Examples

Bequests
Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.
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Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to Charity
Joanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
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Fixed Income for Retirement
After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire.
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Tax-Free Sale
Howard 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 Bypassed
Peter 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 Annuity
Many 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 Gift
Pat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
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Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
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The Retirement Unitrust
Mary 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 Income
Miranda 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 Annuity
Luis 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 Sale
Susan 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 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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Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)
Keith has been a faithful supporter of The Geneseo Foundation, Inc. and makes regular gifts to support our work.
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Transferable on Death (TOD) Gifts
Harold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event The Geneseo Foundation, Inc. held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
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A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy 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 Annuity
Several 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 Estate
Jonathan 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 Taxes
Thomas 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 Future
Luke 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 Trust
While 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 Future
Ron and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
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Bequest of Insurance
Marla 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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