W a s h i n g to n a n d L e e U n i v e r s i t y Office of Universit y Development S p r i n g 2014
Non incautus futuri Katherine K. Wagner ’88L Focuses on the Future As an attorney specializing in all aspects of family law, Katherine K. Wagner ’88L, knows the importance of estate planning, and she has seen firsthand what a mess it can be when those plans aren’t in place. “Some people are uncomfortable with estate planning; they don’t want to ‘think about that,’” Wagner admits. “I tell my clients it is a relatively sim-
setting, the openness of the professors
ple process that can save heartache and
and their accessibility, and the warm and
expense when they are gone. It is just a
inviting environment. I not only knew
practical matter; they don’t need to dwell
almost everyone in my own class, but al-
on it. And really, it is a way to focus on
most the entire school.”
the future.”
Currently the proceeds of her estate
Wagner has an eye toward the future
are designated for a general scholarship
in her own estate plans; she is leaving the
fund, but she hopes to reach an amount
entirety of her estate to the W&L Law
so that her bequest can be self-perpetu-
School, with the hope that it will eventu-
ating. “My gift is a part of me that will
ally be substantial enough to fully endow
carry on. It may sound trite by now, but
a scholarship. “My practice became all
I do believe in ‘pay it forward.’ I would
consuming and somehow I never found
like to give someone else a chance they
time to get married or raise a family, so
might not otherwise have. Hopefully I’ll
I have decided my estate should go to
be able to help someone out, and then
something worthwhile.”
they will have the means to continue
“I hope my bequest will enable the
that into the future.”
beneficiary to have the same marvelous
To join Katherine K. Wagner, Esq.
experience I did,” continues Wagner.
in making a planned gift in support of
“Three of the best years of my life were
Washington and Lee, please contact
during law school. When I saw the cam-
Hank Humphreys or Louise Wasserott
pus I immediately fell in love. So many
at (504) 458-8421, or by email at ahum-
aspects of the school are wonderful—the
phreys@wlu.edu or lwasserott@wlu.edu.
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“My gift is a part of me that will carry on. It may sound trite by now, but I do believe in ‘pay it forward.’ I would like to give someone else a chance they might not otherwise have. Hopefully I’ll be able to help someone out, and then they will have the means to continue that into the future.”
doremus society membership is open to all
Does your estate plan already include Washington and Lee? Please let us know.
By sharing your plan: ◗
You can record your wishes to ensure that your gift will be used as you intend.
25 Estate Documents You Need to Put in One Place* The Essentials • Will • Letter of Instruction • Trust Documents • Financial Power of Attorney (POA)
Marriage and Divorce • Marriage License • Divorce Papers • Military Documents (DD214)
Health Care Confidential • Personal and Family Medical History • Durable Health Care Power of Attorney
• Authorization to Release Health Care Information • Living Will • Do Not Resuscitate Order
Proof of Ownership • Housing, Land and Cemetery Deeds • Escrow Mortgage Accounts • Proof of Loans Made and Debts Owed • Vehicle Titles • Stock Certificates, Savings Bonds and Brokerage Accounts • Partnership and Corporate Operating Agreements • Tax Returns
Life Insurance and Retirement • Life Insurance Policies • Individual Retirement Accounts • 401(k) Accounts • Pension Documents • Annuity Contracts
Bank Accounts/Social Media • List of Bank Accounts • List of all User Names and Passwords • List of Safe Deposit Boxes *From Saabira Chaudhuri’s July 2, 2011, article in the Wall Street Journal
Sample Bequest Language I give and devise to The Washington and Lee University, located in Lexington, Va., the sum of $___________ (or asset) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
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Your example may help inspire others to support W&L through their estate.
◗
W&L will recognize you with membership in the Doremus Society. Of course, if you wish to remain anonymous, you may. Even anonymous giving inspires.
◗
W&L will have the opportunity to thank you for your gift.
Contact the Office of Gift Planning: (540) 458-8421 or lwasserott@wlu.edu or fill out the online form at www.legacy.vg/wlu/ articles/50.html
Using Your IRA or Other Retirement Funds to Make a Gift Most individuals and families make their charitable gifts in cash, which is perfectly fine from the charity’s point of view. However, there may be more tax-advantaged ways to make a charitable gift that will also be more beneficial to your heirs as well. The largest assets of an average household are usually the home and retirement funds. Using these funds often will allow you to make a larger gift than would be possible during your lifetime.
By far the simplest gift to make is to name Washington and Lee University as a beneficiary of all or part of your IRA. Completing a simple change of beneficiary form is all that is needed. The funds remain in your control for your benefit throughout your lifetime, and your gift is made with the remainder.
request the pamphlet:
7 Ways To Make Gifts of Retirement Funds call: (540) 458-8421 email: lwasserott@wlu.edu
Non incautus futuri
is a periodic financial and charitable planning newsletter published by the Office of Gift Planning at Washington and Lee University. Non incautus futuri, not unmindful of the future, is the University’s motto. The information in this newsletter should not be considered legal, accounting or other professional advice. We at Washington and Lee recommend that you consult with your attorney, accountant and/or other professional advisor(s) about the applicability of the information in this publication to your personal situation. Offic e of Gift Pl an n in g Wa s hi n g ton a n d L e e Un iversit y • 204 West Wash in gton St. L e x i n g ton , VA 24450-2116 • 540-458-8421 a hu mphrey s @w lu .ed u • lwasserot t@w lu .ed u
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The Hon. Alexander M. Harman Jr. ’44L Embodied the Spirit of W&L Benefactors The Hon. Alexander M. Harman Jr. ’44L exemplified in every way the ideal of the W&L civic-scholar. He entered W&L Law in 1941 after receiving his pre-law degree from Concord College. An outstanding scholar, he was elected to ODK and the Order of the Coif. After graduating with the then common LL.B. degree, he went on to private practice in Pulaski, Virginia. He gave generously to the Law School, endowing in 1984 the Alexander M. and Rose S. Harman Scholarship in honor of his parents. Harman also remembered the University in his will, bequeathing upon his death in 1996 an additional $2.5 million toward the scholarship.
During a successful career that spanned four decades, he made time to serve his fellow citizens, playing an important role in repairing a broken electoral system in Virginia by serving as Chairman of the State Board of Elections from 1955 to 1964, as well as helping to modernize the Virginia Constitution as a member in 1968-69 of the Commission for Constitutional Revision. In 1964 he chose to leave a rewarding private practice to become a judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit of Virginia, which led, in 1969, to his appointment to the Virginia Supreme Court. He was considered one of the best “facts men” on the high court, serving as a Justice from 1969-79, and then as Senior Justice until his retirement in 1986. In recognition of Harman’s contribution as a lawyer, judge and public-spirited citizen, the Law School conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 1974. Harman was a strong and loyal supporter of the Law School, serving as a member and president of the Law Council. He received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1977, when, in the spirit of benefactor “Jockey” John Robinson some 150 years before, Harman contributed the refreshment, along with 1,500 souvenir tin cups, for the dedication of Lewis Hall. He gave generously to the Law School, endowing in 1984 the Alexander M. and Rose S. Harman Scholarship in honor of his parents. Harman also remembered the University in his will, bequeathing upon his death in 1996 an additional $2.5 million toward the scholarship. To join Judge Harman in making a planned gift in support of Washington and Lee, please contact Hank Humphreys or Louise Wasserott at (504) 458-8421, or by email at ahumphreys@wlu.edu or lwasserott@wlu.edu.