Dominican Campus Heritage Club
The Dominican Campus established the Heritage Club in 1991 to recognize and honor donors who generously make a gift of $25,000 or more to the endowment of Aquinas College, St. Cecilia Academy, or Overbrook Catholic School. The Heritage Club was later expanded to also recognize and honor individuals and families who, through their estate plans, have invested in the future of these Dominican Campus schools. Recognized gifts include bequest provisions in a will or trust, gifts of life insurance, life income arrangements, lead trusts and beneficiary designations made with retirement assets or insurance policies.
Throughout its history, Aquinas College, as well as the entire Dominican Campus, has benefited from the generosity of so many who have provided support and ensured the future through their estate plans. As a result, planned gifts have become an increasingly important source of growth by providing monies for scholarships, financial aid and general support. The resources help our schools reach out to more students and provide a higher quality education than would otherwise be possible.
The Dominican Campus today is a product of the teaching, prayers, planning and sacrifices of the Dominican Sisters, alumni, parents, students, friends and donors that have gone before us, just as our own efforts are shaping tomorrow’s campus.
Heritage Club members understand the critical need to strengthen the endowment which supports the work of the Dominican Sisters in providing an excellent Catholic education to students who would otherwise be unable to attend. Heritage Club members extend the support that they have given—through a lifetime of gifts and volunteer hours—far into the future.
How do I become a member of the Heritage Club?
Becoming a member of the Heritage Club is quite simple. In fact, you have already qualified for membership if you have named Aquinas College or another campus school in your will or trust, or have otherwise included us in your estate plans. You can also become a Heritage Club member by making a gift of $25,000 or more to Aquinas’ endowment. When you inform us of your gift, we respect your wishes for either recognition or anonymity. Any details of your gift that you disclose are held in strictest confidence.
Please let us know your plans. We would like to say thank you to you now, rather than to your heirs or executor, and express to you the importance of your gift to the future of Aquinas College.
What is your legacy?
Think about your needs, those of your loved ones, and your desire to reflect Aquinas College. Consult with your family and advisors. Thoughtfully planned, any of the following gifts may provide important personal benefits while providing a future gift to Aquinas College:
* A bequest, which is a gift included in your will or living trust, is a flexible, time-honored way to establish a lasting legacy.
* A gift of retirement assets, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs, may allow you to give more than you thought possible while reducing taxes that may otherwise consume these assets.
* A life income gift can be an important way to give you and/or a loved one income for life, provide unique tax benefits and benefit Aquinas College.
* Gifts of life insurance policies you may no longer need may help us.
A careful review of your assets will identify the best way to make a gift, whether it is the gift of a specific asset, such as real estate; a percentage of your total estate; or an amount for a special project or fund. Donors often find that planned gifts enable them to support the College through assets that might otherwise be lost to estate, income or capital gains taxation.
Why consider a planned gift?
Throughout its history, Aquinas College has benefited from the generosity of so many who have provided support and ensured the future of the College. As a result, planned gifts have become an increasingly important source of growth by providing funds for scholarships, facility maintenance, and general support. The resources help Aquinas reach out to more students and provide a higher quality faith-based education than would otherwise be possible.
Why is an endowment needed?
From the beginning, the Dominican Sisters have been the living endowment for the schools and College of the Dominican Campus. Many times they made great sacrifices to enable students to continue to benefit from a Dominican education. In recent decades, generous individuals, couples, and families have partnered with the Dominican Sisters to provide endowment support, so that the schools and College remain vital and strong for future generations.
Are gifts made to an endowment tax deductible?
Yes, all gifts made to Aquinas College for an endowment are deductible for income tax purpose to the extent provided by law. Gifts made by employees or spouses of employees who work for, or who retired from, corporations that match charitable gifts, may be eligible to receive matching gifts that can also be directed to support the endowment.
What should I do if I have questions?
Sister Cecilia Anne, President of the College, can assist donors with questions about gift planning and is available to meet with you to discuss what option is best for you and how you might achieve your goals. Sister can be reached by e-mail (president@aquinascollege.edu) or phone (615) 297-7545 ext. 423.
Always seek the counsel of your professional advisors on the best estate plan for your individual situation.
Heritage Club Member Spotlights
