Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University is celebrating an exciting conclusion to their “I Will for Washburn” campaign today, after 100 donors chose to include Washburn in their will or estate plans. The campaign was fueled by two sets of donors—Greg, bba '88, and Jaena, ba '89, Greenwood, and Bruce and Theresa McPherson—who joined together to establish a challenge gift of a combined $1 million to encourage new, documented planned giving commitments to Washburn.
As part of the Legacy Challenge, donors with a documented commitment received $10,000 from the Greenwood/McPherson fund to immediately direct to any Washburn fund or entity of interest. It was the first campaign in Washburn’s history dedicated solely to encouraging donors to remember Washburn in their wills or estate plans, while also granting them the opportunity to make an immediate difference with their challenge dollars. The campaign also helped build greater awareness about the many ways donors can include Washburn in their estate plans.
“Our donors truly inspire so many in such a meaningful way, by ensuring a wonderful legacy and bright future for generations of Ichabods,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. “The generosity of our Washburn community fuels innovation and progress, empowering us to remain a leader in higher education and a place where students can turn their aspirations into achievements.”
The intent behind the campaign was to help build awareness of the importance of estate planning while also highlighting Washburn University’s exceptional impact on students and the Topeka community as a cause people can support through bequests. The Greenwoods and McPhersons were eager to offer the challenge as a way to engage people with the university and help them discover all of the ways to support Washburn.
“Theresa and I met with JuliAnn Mazachek and Marshall Meek to discuss Washburn’s future,” said Bruce McPherson. “We were blown away by their vision for expanding scholarships, funding new buildings and supporting campus programs. Their passion and excitement for the future inspired us to join the ‘I Will for Washburn’ campaign, which encouraged people to formalize their estate plans to benefit students and the university. We want to thank all of those who took advantage of this campaign and are helping build that exciting future for Washburn—thank you!”
The Greenwoods were also excited to help build momentum around the campaign, highlighting the many different areas of needed support across the university while also educating donors about the power of planned giving.
“Greg and I were so happy to give people a nudge to revisit or complete their legacy plans, but also to think about how we’d all like to have an impact at Washburn even after we’re gone,” said Jaena Greenwood. “One hundred people or families leaving something behind for Washburn is going to have a significant impact on this university forever and is going to make such a difference for the future generations of students. It was really exciting to partner with the McPhersons on something so unique, significant and long lasting.”
“This has been a successful campaign for a number of reasons,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “And it has been rewarding to help walk people through the entire process and offer needed estate planning resources. The support we received from Greg and Jaena and Bruce and Theresa has really kept the excitement and momentum going throughout the process. There has never been a better time to invest in Washburn, and our focus on education around planned giving doesn’t end here. We look forward to continuing to guide our alumni and friends on how to leave their legacy here at Washburn.”
More information about planned giving at Washburn can be found at https://wualumni.planmylegacy.org/
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For further information, contact:Brad Porter
Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation
Office: (785) 670.1702
Email: bporter@wualumni.edu
