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Development Office
Planned Giving: Exploring New Ways to Give Back
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Hans and Chris are
dedicated to SDSU.
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As an alumnus and a former employee, Christine Audette ('83 and '90) has a deep connection with San Diego State University. As such, she and her husband, Hans Leenhouts, decided to make SDSU one of their philanthropic priorities by designating a planned gift in the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) to the College of Business and the School of Social Work.
"We believe in and value what social workers do for the community," said Chris. "Making a planned gift to the School of Social Work was the right thing for us."
Their donation will fully fund one or two first generation college students pursuing their Master's degree in social work per year. The motivation behind this gift is to help ensure these students' future success by allowing them to focus on their studies and not worry about a means of support while in school. More and more alumni and friends are taking a cue from Chris and Hans and are establishing planned gifts.
"This gift is certainly beneficial for us because we receive a tax cut, added income, and most importantly, we have the satisfaction of knowing in our lifetime that our donation will benefit students once we are gone," said Hans.
"Planned gifts are called the gifts that give back because they are mutually beneficial for the university and the donor," said Erin Jones, Director of Planned Giving. "In particular, a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is an estate planning tool as well as a giving instrument. CRTs can offer immediate tax deductions, the avoidance of capital gains, while generating an income stream back to the donor; all this while making a significant gift to SDSU. It is a win-win for everyone."
In order to recognize special donors like Chris and Hans, who choose planned giving as a way to make a philanthropic impact on the university, SDSU established the Heritage Society. Since 1987, SDSU has honored generous alumni, parents, faculty and friends who are committed to SDSU. Currently, there are over 300 members of SDSU's exclusive Heritage Society.
For more information about charitable remainder trusts and/or making a planned gift to the College of Health and Human Services, please visit the SDSU Planned Giving team's comprehensive Web site at www.sdsugift.org or contact Erin Jones directly at (619) 594-0286 or erin.jones@sdsu.edu.
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