Anthony "Tony" and Gladys Sakowich

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Anthony "Tony" and Gladys Sakowich of Andover, Massachusetts, were a rare breed. Not only did they live well into their 90s and enjoy a happy marriage for nearly 60 years, but they were also both business pioneers who supported many charities and who were passionate about making a difference for future generations. They gave generously to Merrimack, both during their lives and through The Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Charitable Foundation established by their estate upon their passing.

The Sakowich Foundation trustees honored the wishes of Tony and Gladys with a $2 million endowment to the College to continue supporting Merrimack students-something they were both passionate about.

Both Merrimack's Gladys Sakowich Center and Anthony Sakowich Recreation Center were named in 2001 to honor the Sakowiches' generosity. Now, their posthumous endowment has enabled the College to establish both the annual Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Foundation Endowed scholarship for incoming freshmen and The Anthony J. Sakowich Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SCURCA) for student/faculty-focused collaborative summer studies, allowing the Sakowich legacy to live on.

Tony and Gladys Sakowich's philanthropy is a powerful example of how legacy gifts impact future generations of students at Merrimack College.

Gladys grew up in Methuen, Massachusetts, and became a young widow when her first husband died in World War II. As someone with a knack for finance and investment, she took over running his lumber business in Lawrence, and it grew under her leadership. She was always altruistic, serving on many charitable, banking, and educational boards, including the Merrimack College Board of Trustees.

Tony was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. An avid pilot and World War II veteran, he attended Tulane and Bentley Universities. He became a successful inventor, patenting a process to mold laminated countertops. Although Gladys and Tony had no children of their own, they were dedicated to improving the lives of young people, especially Merrimack students.

In 2018, Delia Cormier '22 became the first recipient of the Anthony and Gladys Sakowich Foundation Endowed Scholarship, awarded to a select student from the Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire Lakes Region, or associated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. With a 3.9 GPA, Delia was president of her Laconia High School senior class, ran track and cross-country, played basketball, and was homecoming queen. She is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Merrimack.

SCURCA provides an annual stipend for a select group of students to conduct research alongside faculty in May and June each year. This summer, 24 student/faculty groups focused on topics such as Evidence of Female Perceptual Bias in Fish and Coping Through the Cancer Diagnosis Process. Guest researchers, distinguished speakers, and social events are all funded through the endowment as well.

"The Sakowich name has become legendary on campus," says Merrimack President Christopher Hopey. "And now the Sakowiches have made an even greater impact with the endowed scholarship, undergraduate research center, and many other gifts that have improved student life." Adds President Hopey, "Tony and Gladys Sakowich left an enormous impact on the world with their commitment to improving young lives. We are forever grateful for their kindness."

To learn more about how you can make a lasting impact at Merrimack, and on our students, contact Kat Bassney at 585-387-0851 or bassneyk@merrimack.edu.

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Eileen Jennings '64

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Eileen Jennings '64, who earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Merrimack, calls herself a perennial student and scholar with a long-standing interest in international education. She established the Jennings Family Endowment for International Education at Merrimack in 2004 through a generous donation from her mother's estate. The endowment supports students who study abroad or pursue international education experiences.

Since retiring as general counsel of Central Michigan University after 29 years, Eileen has pursued her international interests as a member of Rotary. This experience led Eileen to meeting Israr, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, who traveled from Afghanistan to Eileen's town of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. As Israr pursued his master's degree at Central Michigan University, he and Eileen built a powerful friendship over conversations centered on his devout Muslim faith.

"Israr was the first person I've had a chance to speak with in-depth about Islam," Eileen says. Through those conversations, she became struck by the misconceptions promoted by popular culture when it comes to the teachings of Muhammad and the beliefs of Islam. In particular, as she and Israr spoke at length, Eileen was "amazed" by the extent of the common belief systems shared by Christianity and Islam.

A trip to Afghanistan to visit Israr, his wife and six children further opened Eileen's eyes to the riches of the country, the faith of its people, and the opportunity to bridge divides through understanding and tolerance.

After her trip to Afghanistan, Eileen learned about Merrimack's Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations, dedicated to enhancing religious and cultural literacy among students and young adults. In 2014, when she traveled to campus for her 50th class reunion, the time felt right for her to get involved.

Inspired by the work of the Center and the College's growth, she designated a generous endowment-including a cash gift as well as a posthumous bequest from her retirement fund-to support and expand the Center's programs. Eileen expects the planned gift from her estate to total about $500,000.

Eileen has left a lasting legacy at Merrimack College to provide students with opportunities to gain "interfaith competence" and stay true to the mission of the College. "Saint Augustine said that we should find out what God has given us, take what we need, and give the remainder to others," she says. "God has blessed me with more than I need, and I am happy to be able to share the excess so the lessons I've learned from Israr can benefit the entire Merrimack community. I hope that my gift will inspire others to give back to Merrimack and to remember their alma mater in their estate plans."

Like Eileen, your gift can make a world of difference at Merrimack College. To discover which planned gift is right for you, contact Kat Bassney at 585-387-0851 or bassneyk@merrimack.edu.

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Frieda Bleeck '66

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Frieda Bleeck '66, who graduated from Merrimack with a degree in liberal arts, was excited to celebrate her 50th class reunion last year. She reconnected with several former classmates who were also attending and they stayed in a suite on campus during the reunion activities.

"We were all together again and it felt as if time hadn't passed," says Frieda. "Then I looked around campus and realized how much the physical campus has changed, it's a real community."

That made Frieda's decision easy when getting her will and trust settled. Her attorney asked if she was interested in making any planned gifts, specifically in the form of a scholarship. After her unforgettable 50th reunion experience, Frieda loved the idea and went on to establish a planned gift to Merrimack-the Rev. Donald X. Burt, O.S.A. Honorary Fund-which will permanently support undergraduate students studying at Merrimack.

"Merrimack has made a tremendous effort to stay competitive in an aggressive market and always finds different ways to contribute to the community," Frieda says. "I just really like the innovative and unique work Merrimack is doing and I want to help support that."

Frieda is now an official member of the 1947 Society, honoring Merrimack's founding year, recognizing alumni, parents, and friends who demonstrate their generosity and commitment to the College through a planned gift-a true investment in the future of Merrimack.

There are many ways you, like Frieda, can have an impact on Merrimack's future. To learn more about the different gift types available, contact Kat Bassney at 585-387-0851 or bassneyk@merrimack.edu.

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Anne Halley '67

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A self-described lifelong learner and teacher, Dr. Anne Halley '67 credits her Merrimack education with providing her the opportunity to fulfill her dreams, leading her to earn multiple graduate degrees and enjoy a successful career in teaching and, later, management at The New York Times.

Inspired by her Merrimack experience and to honor a dear friend who was never able to attend college due to financial constraints, Anne established the Anne Halley Scholarship in 2005 for underrepresented populations of students at Merrimack, later making an additional planned gift to the College. Elaborating on the inspiration behind her giving to Merrimack, Anne shares, "My experience and education at the College were priceless and inspired me to start a scholarship to give someone else the same opportunities I had."

A Lifelong Learner

Raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Anne originally set her sights on attending college at an institution outside of the Merrimack Valley. With aspirations of becoming a teacher, she applied to a number of schools, recalling, "To be honest, Merrimack wasn't my first choice. But the other colleges I was accepted to, they just seemed too big to me. In the end, Merrimack ended up being the best fit because of its small size."

Once she arrived at Merrimack and dove headfirst into her studies, Anne found that the College's small size was merely one of its benefits. The only female history major in her class, she quickly discovered the combination of major-focused and liberal arts courses fueled her passion for learning. "My educational experience was especially rich because each semester we had to take liberal arts courses, like literature and philosophy, that added so much to the history content I was also studying."

Merrimack was an environment where Anne felt she could thrive, and she found her four years at the College to be a transformative experience-unlike anything she had encountered before in education. She explains, "Prior to coming to the College, I was a top student in my high school, but I was bored to death. When I went to Merrimack, I became alive. I found the education so stimulating, which turned me into a lifelong learner."

A Lifelong Teacher

After graduating from the history program, Anne's passion for learning remained strong. She went on to earn a master's degree and a PhD. Fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher, she then went to work within the City University of New York system. Unfortunately, New York City entered a fiscal crisis, forcing the University system to make a large number of layoffs. Wanting to avoid the uncertain landscape of teaching at the time, Anne made the decision to pivot to an entirely new career, taking a position in advertising at The New York Times.

Approaching this career shift with the same sense of confidence she carried throughout her time at Merrimack, she states, "My liberal arts education made it possible for me to be flexible and succeed in an entirely new career."

And succeed she did. Anne worked her way from a part-time to full-time employee, culminating in a position as a Senior Manager. A true lifelong teacher, she never forgot the skills she learned during her time at Merrimack and beyond. She shares that throughout her tenure at The New York Times, she continued to find ways to utilize her teaching experience, especially enjoying the opportunity to help new hires learn the ins and outs of the industry.

A Lifelong Supporter

While working in management at The New York Times, Anne found herself reflecting on ways she could give back and make a positive difference in the world. Although she wanted to support Merrimack students, she was hesitant and thought that her contributions would not be enough to make the impact she desired to have. "For years, I thought you needed to be a millionaire to start a scholarship. But one day, I finally took the initiative to call Merrimack and ask what I could do to help."

That call was the first step in establishing the Anne Halley Scholarship, an endowment providing financial assistance for a deserving student from the Greater Lawrence area of Massachusetts, which to date has supported five students, each for their full four years at Merrimack. Anne recalls, "Upon learning that a scholarship was possible, I became rather weepy, as it is a big thing to do and very rewarding."

Over the years since establishing the Anne Halley Scholarship, Anne has enjoyed receiving letters and updates from recipients of the award. She recounts, "The majority of my scholarship recipients indicate how life changing the scholarship has been for them. To me, scholarship at Merrimack is the most worthwhile cause I can think of-to continue enriching people's lives and give them a future that might not be possible without the help of financial aid."

Encouraged by the tremendous growth of the College, and empowered by the impact of her scholarship donations, Anne decided to further the impact of her philanthropy by making a generous bequest intention to Merrimack. This bequest will support the Anne Halley Scholarship, providing financial aid for Merrimack students in perpetuity.

"I wanted to do something for the greater good, by leaving my earnings to the College. It feels good to pass it along and make things possible for others that affects their lives in a positive way," she shares.

Now a proud member of the College's 1947 Society, established to recognize Merrimack alumni, parents, and friends who demonstrate their generosity to the College through a planned gift, Anne says it feels "terrific" to be able to support Merrimack in a variety of ways.

And she encourages others to explore how they might be able to support Merrimack through giving. From annual donations to company matching funds, and even planned giving, she notes it is amazing to see how quickly support can add up. "Think about what you derived from your education and your experience at Merrimack, and pass it along. Let someone else enrich their lives through the same means. It's a lot easier to give than you might think. Act on that impulse you may have, make that phone call, and find out your options."

Join Anne and help put a Merrimack education within reach of deserving students, and change lives in the process. Learn more about the many ways you can give by contacting Kat Bassney at bassneyk@merrimack.edu or 585-387-0851.

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Joan McGilvray '68

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As a high school student with a talent for math, Joan McGilvray '68 was encouraged to pursue accounting at Merrimack College. Joan lived just one mile away, driveway-to-driveway, from Merrimack's main entrance and would walk to campus to attend classes. Like many students, she was a "day hopper." At the time, only two dorms existed on campus, and common spaces like the McQuade Library were just being built. Noting the stark differences between 1968 and today, she is excited about the experience our students have-from the College's strong community feel to the academic and career support today's students enjoy.

In between classes and trips to the Frost Arena and the Canteen, Joan held a part-time job at Woolworth's to pay for her school books and to earn spending money. Joan credits her diligence, help from others, and a bit of luck for her success. Anything worth doing is worth working for. Having built a successful career in accounting, she is helping to pave the way for more students to benefit from a Merrimack education. Today, Joan's philanthropy at Merrimack reflects those same values: working hard and helping others.

Putting in the Work

As one of only six women in the business school at the time, and one of only four in accounting, Joan understands what it takes to succeed against the odds. Though she would describe herself in the 1960s as an average student, she was a bit of a trailblazer. Joan worked steadfastly to build her reputation as a determined student and knowledgeable accountant. Reflecting on her years at Merrimack, she shares, "It prepared me. I think everybody needs to work hard to understand what it takes. I got a good education and I did well as far as I'm concerned."

Her tenacious spirit as a student served her well in her career in accounting-a male-dominated field at the time-first in banks and later in high-tech industries on the cutting edge. Joan's college degree opened doors that otherwise might have remained closed. In this spirit, her gifts to Merrimack are opening a world of possibilities for underserved and underrepresented students.

Helping Others

As a donor for more than 30 years, Joan understands the cumulative impact of her philanthropy. "When somebody says, 'It's not enough, so I'm not going to give' or they think they have to give a certain amount to have an impact, it's not true. Over the years, it adds up. Even if you can only help one person, it makes a difference."

Through her support of financial aid and the Pioneer Scholars Program, Joan has had the opportunity to witness her gifts in action. Recently, Joan named the Pioneer Scholars Program as a beneficiary in her will because she feels strongly that the program is enabling students from Abbott Lawrence Academy to fulfill their dreams of a college education and reach their potential. "Everybody deserves a chance," she says. Her planned gift is her way of demonstrating her belief in these students and their potential to be change agents in the community. By naming the Pioneer Scholars in her long-term plans, Joan has become part of a core group of supporters, The 1947 Society, whose thoughtful planning will support their alma mater, have an impact on students' lives, and will help Merrimack maintain its reputation as a top school.

An Enduring Legacy

Through her bequest, Joan will continue to create pathways for Merrimack students who, like her, have the drive to succeed and just need a little help. And, Joan felt it was important to share her intentions with Merrimack: "I needed to do it for me and to know that they understand what I want. It dawns on you that you're not 40; it becomes a reality as you age."

To learn more about creating your legacy at Merrimack, like Joan, and joining hundreds of 1947 Society members who show their belief in the future of Merrimack and its students through their long-term plans, please contact Kat Bassney at 585-387-0851 or bassneyk@merrimack.edu.

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Robin Smith '66

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When it came time to apply to colleges, Robin Smith '66 knew she wanted to major in engineering or chemistry, a degree that could lead to a well-paying job so she would not have to worry about money. Without ever having visited the campus, Robin showed up the first day of classes.

"There were only 10 chemistry majors in the department," she says, and she was one of just two females. She worked hard at Merrimack, got along well with her peers and professors, and made some lifelong friends.

After graduating, Robin pursued a master's degree in chemistry at Lowell Technological Institute, where she was the only woman in her class. When a position for a chemical salesperson at a local company opened up, Robin applied. She had a promising phone interview with the hiring manager who afterwards scheduled a face-to-face meeting. Because of Robin's name and low voice, he wrongly assumed she was a man. When Robin finally met him, he turned her down for the job. "It's just the way life was in those days," she says.

In 1972, New England Telephone was just starting to actively hire women engineers. Robin was the first female outside plant engineer in the north, moving up through the ranks to operations manager. She ultimately spent 24 years at the phone company (which, after many acquisitions/mergers, became Verizon). She retired at the age of 50, more than 20 years ago now, and moved to her home on picturesque Newfound Lake in New Hampshire.

Returning to Merrimack

In 2016, Robin returned to Merrimack for the first time in 50 years.

"I couldn't believe how much Merrimack had changed. I mean, I knew it wasn't still one building, but I was so impressed by the new laboratories and the science and engineering facilities. The students are doing things today that, back in the day, you didn't do until graduate school."

Blown away by Merrimack's progress, Robin generously donated $100,000 to the College and has since designated an additional six-figure gift from her estate to Merrimack. These investments have helped establish a scholarship in her mother's memory-the Muriel A. Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship-to support young women pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

"I think the world needs more female leaders in these areas. STEM is so important, there's a wow factor to developing solutions through STEM that give people an opportunity they never had," she says.

The scholarship honors her mother, who worked three jobs to make ends meet and encouraged her daughter to pursue college. "She probably would have been embarrassed and said, 'You shouldn't be creating a scholarship in my name,'" Robin admits, since her mother was someone who did not seek attention. "But everything I have today is because of her kick in the pants. I wanted her to be remembered, and I felt confident about associating her name with Merrimack because I know the school is going to be around for a long time."

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Terry '86 and Dick Southwick

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Local business owners. Spirited Warriors. Avid tennis players. Hockey enthusiasts. There are many ways to describe Terry '86 and Dick Southwick-and now they can also add proud members of the 1947 Society to that list. Longtime supporters of the Merrimack ice hockey program, Terry and Dick recently established the Southwick Family Scholarship and documented a planned gift to the College that, when realized, will further support athletics and financial aid, enhancing the Merrimack experience for generations of Warriors to come.

For Terry and Dick, Merrimack College has long held a significant place in their lives. The couple met while Terry, a business and accounting major, was a commuter student at the College, working in the banking field in between her courses.

Since graduation, she and Dick have enjoyed successful careers in the home building and renovations industry. Together they co-own and operate their company, Southwick Construction, specializing in designing and building custom homes, and have enjoyed the opportunity to work together every day for nearly 30 years.

In addition to their professional roles, the couple also shares an interest in athletics, particularly ice hockey. Frequent attendees at Merrimack games, Terry shares, Local business owners. Spirited Warriors. Avid tennis players. Hockey enthusiasts. There are many ways to describe Terry '86 and Dick Southwick-and now they can also add proud members of the 1947 Society to that list. Longtime supporters of the Merrimack ice hockey program, Terry and Dick recently established the Southwick Family Scholarship and documented a planned gift to the College that, when realized, will further support athletics and financial aid, enhancing the Merrimack experience for generations of Warriors to come.

For Terry and Dick, Merrimack College has long held a significant place in their lives. The couple met while Terry, a business and accounting major, was a commuter student at the College, working in the banking field in between her courses.

Dick adds, "Attending games at some of the other, larger schools, you're just a number. Here at Merrimack we know so many players from all those years of coming back to the games. We've stayed in touch with a lot of people."

That strong sense of community led the Southwicks to make frequent trips to campus for hockey games and other alumni events-and allowed them to witness the campus' transformation firsthand. While they have been astonished at the impressive changes the College has undergone over the years, they find that the heart of Merrimack, the small, welcoming school that Terry was first drawn to as a student, has always remained the same.

Inspired by their connection to the College and impressed by its thoughtful transformation, Terry and Dick made annual gifts in support of the ice hockey program, including a generous gift to the hockey locker room renovation project. Recently, the couple made the momentous decision to invest even further in the College, establishing the Southwick Family Scholarship, a four-year current-use scholarship to be awarded to a tennis player based on financial need.

Taking their support of the College a step further, Terry and Dick also decided it was time to document a planned gift to Merrimack, a decision they felt strongly about.

"We were at a point in our lives that we felt we needed to have everything a little more finalized. Planning your estate really makes you take stock in where you've been, where you're going, what your future holds, and what's really important to you. Merrimack has been a big part of our life, and we felt it was a very meaningful, purposeful place for us to give back," says Terry.

When their planned gift is realized, it will establish two endowed funds that will provide operations support for the College's athletic programs and annual need-based financial aid to a student from New Hampshire, in perpetuity.

Terry and Dick shared that while some of their peers might be hesitant to document their own estate plans, they agree that if someone feels like it is the right time in their life to make such a decision, there's no need to wait.

"So many people procrastinate. Now is the time. You don't have to be 80 to start doing this. Nobody knows what will happen, so why wait? Giving to Merrimack is giving to the future for somebody. In the end, that's really what it's about, isn't it?"

Like the Southwicks, your gift can help build a foundation for future generations of Merrimack College students. To discover which planned gift is right for you, contact Kat Bassney at 585-387-0851 or bassneyk@merrimack.edu.

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John '65 and Carole McDermott

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For Connecticut natives John '65 and Carole McDermott, their philanthropy is centered on personal connection and building a bridge to the future, especially through support of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs and students.At the time John graduated from Merrimack, he opted to enlist in the Navy's Officer Candidate School and served four years in the Civil Engineering Corps in the Philippines and Vietnam. That experience started him on a path of supporting the education of young Filipino students through PLAN USA. In 2013 after ravaging typhoon hit the Philippines, John and Carole — through the miracle of Facebook — were able to reconnect with and help one of the students their philanthropy had sponsored decades prior. "It has been so rewarding," Carole says, "to know who you are helping and that you are making a real difference in someone's life.

The McDermott's other decades-long connection is with John's fellow electrical engineering classmates from Merrimack. "We were a small group of about 15 and at the time we were there, Merrimack was a small place. Our connection to each other has just continued to grow through the years. Many of us get together for our five-year reunions and a few of us meet each year. Several of the spouses have become close friends as well," McDermott explains.

As a Merrimack student, in addition to his studies in electrical engineering, McDermott was part of a service fraternity, participated in intramurals and was a Prefect in a dorm senior year. After the Navy, his career took him into IT and for the final 20 years, up to retirement, he worked for himself as an independent IT consultant.

The McDermotts now enjoy life in Florida playing tennis, engaging with the arts and traveling, though that has been curtailed by COVID-19. Both John and Carole are grateful for the superb education John received at Merrimack and have given back in support of the areas most important to them. As John states, "I'm so impressed with the way the College has grown and the progress it has made. We feel strongly that STEM is not only important for individuals to be able to follow their passions, but also for the country as a whole to maintain its leadership in technology."

Through the years, the McDermotts have generously supported the engineering school at Merrimack. They have also established a planned gift through their estate to support Merrimack STEM programming and students. More recently, they have funded the John and Carole McDermott Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to a Merrimack student involved in one of the STEM programs. As they commented, "Our planned gift is important to create a legacy of support for STEM that will never go away. By also establishing a current use scholarship, we get to know who we are helping and the difference our scholarship is making today. It's a win-win for us, really, and we hope others who are able will see the benefit of planned giving for the longevity of Merrimack and the difference it makes for the future of our country," John concludes.

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Marguerite Kane '60

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To say Merrimack is lodged deep in the heart of Professor Emerita Marguerite Kane '60 would be a significant understatement. A native of Lawrence, Mass., Kane did not initially have her sights set on Merrimack for college. The allure of more high-profile schools — including Wellesley and Radcliffe — was strong, yet a scholarship and the promise of a car for commuting (from her father) won the day.

She has never regretted her college choice.

A major in political science with a minor in education prepared Kane for what she thought would be her next step in life — graduate school followed by government work in foreign service, national security or treasury. Upon completion of her master's degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, it was the influence of beloved Merrimack teachers Professor James St. Germain and Father Albert Clement Shannon, O.S.A., that brought Kane back to Merrimack to teach political science.

She never left until her retirement in 2014 — and one could say she still hasn't left as she remains an active participant in the community and has made significant gifts to the College supporting Pioneer Scholars as well as other special programs. Now, Kane is becoming a member of The 1947 Society with the establishment of a planned gift through her estate.

"Merrimack, still to this day, emphasizes the individual. Our Augustinian roots include the gift of hospitality and the gift of community. We had 181 in our 1960 graduating class and everyone knew everyone. The campus was small and the first dormitories weren't built until 1960. Most everyone commuted yet our humble roots as a college grew deep throughout the 50+ years that I taught here," Kane states.

Kane's greatest satisfaction in teaching was, "watching students catch fire," she says. "For those who needed an extra push or encouragement, I tried to help them see the possibilities. For those who were very focused on their path, I just tried to get out of their way. And sometimes I felt like a jeweler, just polishing the diamonds in the rough," she concludes.

Having engaged with every leader in Merrimack's history, starting with Rev. Vincent A. McQuade, O.S.A. through current President Christopher Hopey, Ph.D., Kane has experienced the growth and influence from Merrimack's humble beginnings as a local college to its increased role as a regional powerhouse. She sees the vision, scope and diversity expanding along with the College's centers of excellence headed toward national recognition in the near future.

Kane's planned gift will help local students experience all that Merrimack has to offer as they prepare for excellence in their professions and communities. "We have done a great deal to help students see the possibilities by encouraging participation in Truman, Wilson, Marshall and Rhodes competitions that recognize the best of the best in this country's higher education landscape. And we do it sticking to our mission to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives — of all students.

"I've always been proud of Merrimack and the education I received as well as the education offered to students today. I'm glad that my legacy will live on beyond my teaching years through my planned gift supporting the students of Merrimack College," Kane concludes.

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Mary Gorham Franco '81 and Mike Franco '81

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That's how Mary and Mike Franco view their relationship with their alma mater. Both believe they are blessed because they came from humble beginnings, and Merrimack set them on a course for life that has been everything they could have hoped for — and more.

Mary and Mike met as freshmen and became fast friends. A group of close friends and "sisters," as well as faculty, administrators and priests helped Mary cope with the loss of her parents while the pair were at Merrimack. Those friendships have lasted a lifetime. Mike, one of 11 children, found Merrimack through his sister Annie who graduated in 1977 — Mike's younger brother Carl later graduated in 1985. Hard work and great professors helped Mike on his path to law school followed by a thriving career practicing law. Mary found resilience and a caring community at Merrimack, which led to a successful career as an executive fundraiser.

Since the day they set foot on campus in 1977, Merrimack has remained central in their lives. They loved their experience at Merrimack. They both participated in student government. Mike was captain of the lacrosse team in junior and senior years. Shortly after graduating, they were married on campus by their Augustinian friend Father Casey.

Mary has co-chaired several reunion committees, and both still visit campus often — for reunions, homecoming or athletic events. Mary currently serves on Merrimack's Board of Trustees and Mike serves on the College Leadership Council. Dear college friends of the Francos and their spouses get together regularly, and they enjoyed meeting on campus one again in June for their reunion and to celebrate Merrimack's 75th anniversary.

The Francos encourage all who share their love of Merrimack to consider how they can support the College moving forward. "Because we believe in the Merrimack community and the profound way it shapes the lives of young people, supporting the College through our service and financial investments makes sense to us. With annual gifts, we can help sustain Merrimack in providing remarkable opportunities for today's students. Our estate gift will leave a lasting family legacy at Merrimack. With this planned gift we hope to make a difference in the lives of future students and in the College that means so much to us," Mary explains.

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You don't need a lot of money to establish a planned gift. Through your will, you can easily carve out a specific amount or percentage of your estate. You may choose to name Merrimack as a full or partial beneficiary of life insurance or a retirement plan. By establishing a planned gift, you demonstrate your pride in and gratitude for Merrimack and your desire to see it succeed well into the future. You will also join others who support Merrimack as members of The 1947 Society.

Like the Francos, your gift can help build a foundation for future generations of Merrimack College students. To discover which planned gift option is right for you, contact Leila C. Rice at 978-837-5997 or ricelc@merrimack.edu.

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Gifts from Your Will

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Estate Gifts to Merrimack College

Include a gift to Merrimack College in your will. You can make your legacy unrestricted or direct it to a specific purpose. You may even indicate a specific amount or percentage of the balance remaining in your estate.

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Benefits

• Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.
• You can modify your gift to address changing circumstances.
• You can direct your gift to a particular purpose (check with us to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
• Under current tax law, there is no upper limit on the estate tax deduction for your charitable bequests.
• Please advise us so we can thank you and recognize your generous intentions in your lifetime by enrolling you as a member of The 1947 Society.

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Planning Tip

If you express your gift as a percentage (e.g., “20 percent of the residue of my estate”), you can maintain the same relative gifts to charities and your heirs, regardless of changes in estate value. If you’re considering designating your gift for a specific purpose, such as a scholarship fund or support for a specific department, contact us to ensure that we understand your wishes.

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Sample Estate Gift Language

You may wish to share the following sample language with your attorney:

Unrestricted gift

“I give (a specific dollar amount/a specific asset, or percentage of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to the Trustees of Merrimack College, an educational corporation established by law at North Andover, MA, for its general tax-exempt purposes.”

NOTE: If you wish to restrict your estate gift to a specific purpose or program at Merrimack College, please contact Kat Bassney in advance to assure that the language you include will accomplish your wishes and align with Merrimack College’s needs.

Download a Guide to Giving in Your Will Document Your Gift
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Beneficiary Designations from Retirement Accounts and Other Funds

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Beneficiaries of your Retirement Plan or your IRA

Designate Merrimack College as a beneficiary of part or all of your qualified retirement plan or your IRA. Normally the assets held in an IRA or qualified retirement plan will be subject to both income and estate taxes, but if you name Merrimack College as a beneficiary of a percentage (or all) of your retirement plan, that portion will pass to Merrimack College free of income or estate taxes.

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Payable on Death Bank Account Designation

Designate your bank account to be payable on death (POD) to Merrimack College. There is no change in ownership, control, or benefit from this account while you're living. The POD designation causes whatever funds that remain in the account to go to Merrimack College.

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Transfer on Death Brokerage or Investment Account Designation

Designate your brokerage or investment account to be transferable on death (TOD) to Merrimack College. It's not necessary for the TOD designation to transfer all of the account solely to Merrimack College. You can designate percentages of the account to pass to additional beneficiaries. To set up the TOD endorsement, contact your investment advisor and provide the instructions regarding the change.

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Make Gifts to Merrimack College

Download a Guide to Giving Retirement Plan Assets Document Your Gift
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Gifts That Make Payments To You

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Fixed Payments for Life

A charitable gift annuity allows you to gain the security of fixed payments for life, receive a tax deduction for a portion of your gift, and make a contribution to Merrimack College that you may not have thought possible.

Learn More

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Fixed Payments for Later

If you don’t need income right away, you can obtain both a higher payout rate and a larger charitable deduction by establishing a deferred charitable gift annuity. A deferred gift annuity provides you with fixed payments for life that begin when you need them and an immediate tax deduction for a portion of your gift.

Learn More About Flexible Gift Annuities

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Variable Payments that Can Grow

Charitable remainder unitrusts allow you to make a gift of cash, stock, or real estate, claim an income a tax deduction for a portion of your gift, and receive variable payments from your unitrust for life or a term of years.

Learn More About Charitable Remainder Unitrusts

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Gifts of Appreciated Assets

Gifts of Publicly Traded Securities

Giving publicly traded shares of stock, bonds, or mutual funds to Merrimack College allows you to turn an appreciated asset into support for students and faculty.

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Gifts of Closely Held Stock

Do you own your own business? It’s also possible to give closely held stock to Merrimack College.

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Gifts of Real Property

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Gifts of Real Estate

Using real estate to make a gift allows you to turn an illiquid, highly appreciated asset into support for students and faculty, claim a charitable income tax deduction, and save capital gains taxes. Donors have contributed to Merrimack College vacation homes, undeveloped land, commercial real estate, personal residences, and condominiums.

Learn More about Gifts of Real Estate

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GIFTS OF PERSONAL RESIDENCES WITH A RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

By contributing your home, while retaining the right to live in it for life or a term of years, you claim an income tax deduction for a portion of your gift, and, through a retained life estate, continue to use your property during your life time.

Learn more about gifts of retained life estate
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Gifts of Life Insurance

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Make Merrimack the owner and beneficiary of your life insurance

You may transfer ownership of a paid-up life insurance policy to Merrimack. Merrimack may elect to cash in the policy now or hold it.

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How You Benefit from a Gift of Life Insurance

• Make a gift using an asset that you and your family may no longer need.
• Receive an income tax deduction equal to the cash surrender value of the policy.
• You may be able to use the cash value of your policy to fund a gift that makes payments to you, such as a charitable gift annuity.
• Please advise us so we can thank you and recognize your generous intentions in your lifetime by enrolling you as a member of The 1947 Society.

Learn More About Life Insurance
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Gifts through your Donor-Advised Fund

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Donor-Advised Fund

Designate Merrimack to receive all or a portion of the balance of your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) through your fund administrator (you also can make a grant to us at any time from your donor-advised fund). The balance in your DAF passes to Merrimack when it terminates.

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How You Benefit

• You can direct your gift to a particular purpose (be sure to check with us to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
• Maintain flexibility to change beneficiaries during your lifetime.
• Please advise us so we can thank you and recognize your generous intentions in your lifetime by enrolling you as a member of The 1947 Society.

Learn More about DAFs
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Gifts Through Trusts

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Grantor Charitable Lead Trusts

A grantor charitable lead trust allows you to claim an income tax deduction based on the present value of the future annual payments to Merrimack, and retain the principal when the trust’s term ends.

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Charitable Remainder UniTrusts

A charitable remainder unitrust allows you to donate cash or appreciated assets and receive payments based upon a percentage of the trust’s annual value. When the value of the trust increases, so do your payments and your gift to Merrimack. Your donation qualifies for an immediate tax deduction, and you save capital gains taxes.

Download a Guide to Establishing a Charitable Remainder Unitrust

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Flip UniTrusts

A flip unitrust allows you to donate illiquid assets, such as business interests or assets earning little or no income, like undeveloped real estate, and receive an immediate tax deduction. The value of those assets appreciates in the trust tax-free. When the assets are sold, saving capital gains taxes, the trust “flips” to a conventional charitable remainder unitrust and begins making payments to the beneficiary.

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Family Trust

A family trust also is called a charitable lead trust because the charity takes the “lead” in receiving payments for a period of time with the remaining assets, plus appreciation, going to members of the next generation when the term of the trust expires. The donors pass the trust assets to heirs at reduced transfer tax cost.

Download a Guide to Establishing a Charitable Lead Trust
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Charitable IRA Rollover

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Make a Tax-Free Gift from Your IRA

If you’re 70 ½ or older, each year you can instruct your IRA administrator to transfer all or part of your required minimum distribution (up to $100,000) directly to Merrimack and avoid paying the tax had you taken it as income.

Learn More About Tax Free IRA Rollover

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How You Benefit

The charitable IRA rollover allows you to complete charitable gifts with IRA assets during your lifetime.

• Your gifts count toward your Required Minimum Distribution but do not count as income for federal income tax purposes.
• If you’ve already used up your charitable deductions or don’t itemize your deductions, you benefit from gifts through tax-free IRA transfers.
• You can use tax-free IRA rollovers to make any kind of outright gift, including:
  • Annual Fund gifts
  • 50th Reunion gifts
  • Pledge payments
  • Gifts to scholarships or other endowed funds
• Please advise us so we can thank you and recognize your generous intentions in your lifetime by enrolling you as a member of The 1947 Society.

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Maximum Gift

An individual taxpayer’s total charitable IRA rollover gift cannot exceed $100,000 per tax year.

Download a Guide to a Charitable IRA Rollover Common Questions about the IRA Rollover
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