Robert Zapletal '67 and Nancy
Williamson Zapletal '67 |
Bequest
Planning
Robert Zapletal '67 and Nancy Williamson
Zapletal '67
(From the Fall 2003 Manley Society Newsletter)
“Why
Would You Plan a Gift to St. Lawrence?”
“Because St. Lawrence is part of
the family.” The response from Bob Zapletal
'67, was immediate. “Everyone, at every age,
should have an updated will to document their final
wishes. When Nancy ('67) and I updated our estate
plans recently, we naturally planned for ourselves
and our children. Then, because we consider St.
Lawrence part of our extended family, we included
a bequest to the University as well. Our plans
will probably change in the future, but we have
peace of mind knowing that we have outlined our
wishes and included a place that is so special
in our lives.”
Sal Cania, new to the St. Lawrence
Planned Giving office, was asking the questions.
As Sal travels to meet Manley Society members during
his first year, he wants to discover why over 600
individuals have planned 750 gifts for the University.
And Sal was asking Bob some hard questions:
“The University has
been very successful in its fundraising efforts
in recent years, why do you need to plan a bequest?” “In
business, you learn that success not only comes
from quality, it also creates an atmosphere of
excellence. Maintaining and increasing that excellence
requires greater resources. I want to make sure
that an increasing level of excellence is available
to future generations of students.”
“Speaking of students,
your bequest is targeted to financial aid. You'll
be helping people you don't even know?” “Exactly.
I learned recently that during our four years
at St. Lawrence, from 1964 to1967, it is estimated
that the University realized almost $300,000
in planned gifts. That's over $1.6 million in
today's dollars. I never knew who those gifts
came from, and those people didn't know they
were planning for Nancy and me. It's part of
a cycle of life; now we're planning to give back
to help deserving students in the future.”
“There are so many
worthy charities. Why St.Lawrence?” “Education
is very important to us. Our will is a statement
of that belief, part of the legacy we wish to
leave behind. Our philanthropic plan includes
St. Lawrence because it provides the kind of
liberal arts education that is critical to the
future of our society, and we want to help ensure
that a St. Lawrence education will be available
to future Laurentians. We want to take care of
something that is important to us.”
“Like a member of the
family?”
“Just like a member of the family”
Is it time to update your will? Need
help getting organized before meeting with your
attorney? Request our Estate
Planning Organizer.
Would you like help organizing and
defining your philanthropy? Request
our Philanthropic Planner.
