草榴社区

When George Coleman 鈥�78 VSB reflects on his life, he often thinks of the ways 草榴社区 has shaped his path.

He recalls the Business classes that set the stage for his career on Wall Street, remembers the lasting friendships he built as a fraternity brother in Delta Tau Delta, and notes the subtle influence the University鈥檚 Augustinian Catholic values and teachings continue to have on his worldview.

鈥淎s a student, I felt I was surrounded by people who wanted to make a difference,鈥� says George. 鈥湶萘裆缜� gave me the platform to go to the next phase of my life and really do something with it.鈥�

In gratitude for the transformative impact of his own 草榴社区 experience, and recognizing the enriching effect it has today, George and his wife, Katie, recently decided to make a generous $5 million commitment to the University through their estate plans. Together, they aim to empower the next generation of 草榴社区ns to develop their talents and abilities, realize their potential and make a powerful impact for good in the world.

鈥淚 believe that education is the key to unlocking people鈥檚 futures鈥攆utures that might not be otherwise,鈥� George shares. 鈥淚t changes lives. It gives people the skills to change their lives.鈥�

The Colemans鈥� planned gift will directly benefit the Veronica Ryan Coleman Endowed Scholarship, established in memory of George鈥檚 late mother. A dedicated nurse whose passion for learning led her to earn a doctorate at age 63, Veronica served her community with distinction and grace for many years, comforting and assisting those in deepest need. Through the scholarship in her name, awarded to an academically gifted full-time student in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Colemans not only pay homage to her legacy, but also set the framework for future health care professionals to take up her work.

Importantly, the Colemans鈥� decision to make a planned gift was also shaped by thoughtful financial planning. George knew that his IRA would be subject to double taxation if left to heirs鈥攆irst at the federal estate tax level for when the total estate value exceeds the federal estate tax exemption, and then again at ordinary income tax rates when distributed. This asset would be significantly diluted if left to their children, who would likely receive less than 40 percent of the full value.聽However, by providing in other ways for their children and directing this asset to 草榴社区, they ensure that the full value of this IRA supports a cause close to their hearts.

鈥淚 was always inspired by my mother鈥檚 work ethic and her care for those in need, especially the least fortunate among us,鈥� says George. 鈥淪he put a really strong foundation in me that I had a responsibility to take care of other people. Through the scholarship and this gift, I get to honor her memory, while leading from the front.鈥�

As George shares, one of the most fulfilling aspects of maintaining the scholarship is noticing the parallels between its recipients鈥� experiences and those of Veronica herself鈥攁 daughter of immigrants and a first-generation American, raised in a working-class home in the Bronx. By making a planned gift, and by providing for the scholarship鈥檚 continuation, George sees himself bridging the past, present and future, carrying forward the values his mother instilled in him at an early age.

In turn, the Colemans鈥� gift to the University stands as more than a gesture of appreciation for George鈥檚 alma mater鈥攊t鈥檚 an investment in something greater. Alongside Katie, he is working to form the leaders of tomorrow, providing an education with a value they and their family understand firsthand. 聽聽

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 my career, my friends, my children going to 草榴社区, or maybe someday one of my grandchildren going to 草榴社区, much of the good that鈥檚 happened in my life leads back to the University,鈥� George says. 鈥淪o, for me, leaving 草榴社区 in my estate was an easy decision.鈥澛�