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BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY FRIEND AND DONOR, DR. RICHARD HELGASON, FEELS THAT DONATING TO THE BVU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LARGE IMPACT ON STUDENTS.

Richard, retired professor emeritus of engineering at Southern Methodist University in Texas, grew up in Storm Lake with a love of music. He planned to attend BVU, but when he was a junior in high school the Soviets launched Sputnik. Because of this historic event and his strong math and science skills, he was encouraged to study science in college. He chose to pursue his education at Iowa State University. On a trip home to Storm Lake, a friend introduced him to his future wife, Janice (Salmonson), who was attending BVU and graduated in 1963.

Richard decided to endow the first of two scholarships in Janice’s memory when she passed away in 2008. He has always been impressed with the letters he receives from the students who are the recipients of the scholarship. He is thrilled that he can see the difference he makes in their lives. Seeing the impact the scholarship makes on BVU students inspired Richard to endow a second scholarship in his own name.

There are many ways people can donate to the scholarship program: give to the general scholarship fund, establish an annual scholarship, or endow a scholarship in their own name or in memory of someone else.

When asked for his advice to anyone thinking of giving to the BVU scholarship program, Richard says, “If anyone is thinking about endowing a scholarship, I encourage them to do it. It is the chance to affect the lives of many young people. We do not often have an opportunity like this that can make such a large impact. It very well could be the difference between a young person being able to attend college or not.”

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT STORIES INSPIRE DONOR

CREATE A LEGACY OF OPPORTUNITY Whether you choose to donate today or use your estate plan to contribute to the general scholarship fund, an annual scholarship or endow a scholarship, you’ll feel good knowing you’ve created a brighter future for BVU students. To learn more, contact us at 712.749.2101 or devalum@bvu.edu.

[A scholarship] very well could be the difference between a young person being able to attend college or not.

-Richard Helgason

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE.

As an example, Buena Vista University relies on the foresight of those who include a gift to BVU in their financial or estate plans. These planned gifts can be made now to immediately support students as they prepare for lifelong success or they can take effect in the future as a final way to leave your legacy.

Depending on the gift arrangement you choose, you can: • Feel secure about the future of your loved ones. • Maintain control of your assets for life. • Receive tax benefits. • Give more than you ever thought possible.

Here are a few popular planned giving options:

Gift of appreciated securities—If you’ve owned stock for more than a year, and it’s increased in value, you may donate the stock directly to us. You may receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your gift when you itemize and eliminate capital gains tax.

Gift in your will or revocable living trust—This can be as simple as including a sentence in your will or living trust (see example on this page). Because this gift doesn’t go into effect until after your lifetime, your current budget isn’t affected, and you can change your mind at any time.

Gift of retirement plan assets—By naming BVU as the primary beneficiary on the beneficiary designation form for a percentage (1–100) of your account’s final value, you can make a tax-wise gift to support the University after your lifetime.

YOUR PLANNED GIFTEnrich the Future for BVU

© The Stelter Company | The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

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Sample Language to UseIf you are ready to include a gift to BVU in your will, ask

your attorney to add this suggested wording to the document:

I give to Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa, the

sum of $_____ (or _____ percent of the rest, residue

and remainder of my estate) for its general purposes.

Take the Next StepTo learn more about these and other ways to give to BVU, visit bvu.planmylegacy.org.

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WRITE A LEGACY LETTERTell Your Loved Ones Your Story

Homecoming 2018 & Hall of Fame Game Day

Homecoming 2018 & Hall of Fame Game Day

THE MOST CHERISHED THING YOU LEAVE BEHIND WHEN YOU PASS AWAY WON’T BE A CAR, HOUSE OR BANK ACCOUNT.

It’ll likely be something much more personal, like insight into who you truly are. A legacy letter can be a touching way to pass down lessons. Here’s how:

Write a letter—It’s the easiest way to create a permanent record of your values and will not become outdated with changing technology.

Add photos to your letter—Pictures of you, your adventures and your relationships help tell your story.

Consider creating a website or a social media post—Write a post to complement the letter and provide a share-ready version for your family. Film a video testimonial to provide an added dimension and tell your story in your own voice.

QUESTIONS TO ASKIn preparing your story, think about the experiences that shaped your values. • What values are most important to you? How do

you follow these in your daily life? • What major events affected your view of life? • Who has been your biggest influence? How have

you influenced others during your lifetime? • What are you most grateful for personally and

professionally? • What are the most important lessons you

have learned from your loved ones, friends or colleagues?

• What are your hopes and dreams for the future? • What advice do you want to leave your

loved ones?

Once you’ve jotted down some initial thoughts, you can begin to weave those values and beliefs into your legacy letter—and create a meaningful gesture for your loved ones.

Contact your Beaver friends and make plans to head back to campus for Homecoming!

For up-to-date information about scheduled events and reunions, visit events.bvu.edu/event/homecoming-2018.

Oct. 5 & 6, 2018

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR BVU’S

Alumni & Development610 W. 4th Street | Storm Lake, IA 50588

Inside: Ways to Plan for Your Future—and BVU’sPlus, learn how a donor is giving the gift of opportunity to BVU students!