Stories of Planned Giving

Donors at two very different points in their lives shared their satisfaction and pleasure after creating an estate plan with the UWM Foundation.

After a Long Career, UWM Alumna Makes an Investment in the Future

To celebrate her retirement, Terry Ruzicka ’84, ’96 and her husband decided they wanted to give students the gift of education by including the UWM Foundation in their estate plans.

Alumni Couple Aims to Help Graduate Student Caregivers

“We know firsthand what a difference a scholarship or fellowship can make, and we want to make that difference for others.”

Honoring His Values

Thanks to support from allies like Greg Meyer, UWM will have a sustaining source of support to teach students about Indigenous culture and continue to breathe life into our Indigenous languages.

Urban Planning Professor Looks to the Future

After being loyal supporters of UWM for more than 40 years, Sam and Jean White wanted to extend the impact of their generosity. With that in mind, they created the Professor Sam White Fund for Urban Planners by including the UWM Foundation in their estate plans.

UWM Alumni Couple’s Legacy Scholarship Helped Space-Exploring Alum

A scholarship made all the difference in the world—and beyond—for Darian Dixon '15. The generosity of John and Cynthia Jackson, who created a provision for scholarships in their estate plan, has helped hundreds of students like Darian.

Donor Honors Parents and Promotes the Arts

When Hedy Kolozsvary learned about estate gifts, she decided to make one in honor of her parents. The Robert B. and Helen M. Kolozsvary Scholarship will support UWM students in the performing arts.

Associate Professor Supports Faculty Research With Estate Gift

UWM faculty member Brian Daugherty has seen firsthand how research funding often runs short. That's why he and his wife, Cindy, decided to provide much-needed resources for faculty research at UWM.

Health Sciences Alum Helps Others Fulfill Dreams

Mark Frankowski and his wife, Cathy Meyer, wanted to support the causes that shaped who they were as people. Their support of UWM is thanks for the education Mark received as a student.

Engineering Alumnus Spurs Research at UWM

During his life, Richard Grigg made a career of understanding the generation and transmission of energy. Now, Adel Nasiri is exploring sustainable energy systems as the inaugural Richard and Joanne Grigg Professor.

Estate Gift Carries on Family’s Legacy

See how Julie Ihlenfeldt is continuing a family tradition of giving by permanently endowing a scholarship at UWM.

UWM Was Transformative Experience for Scholarship Donor

Though Ellen Wait-Franzen has found herself at many universities over the years, she credits UWM with setting her down the path for success. Now, she's helping other UWM students succeed.

Accounting for Future Students

Ed Vander Grinten credited his roots at UWM with his success as an accountant. Through an estate gift, he's helping students like him become CPAs.

Legacy Gift to Preserve Great Lakes

Michael and Linda Loescher share a passion for the Great Lakes and know the importance of education in sustaining it. Their gifts support our work to research and preserve this valuable resource.

A Launchpad for the Future

Beth Partleton credits the UWM School of Architecture & Urban Planning with launching her successful career and providing her with lifelong friendships.

Alumnus’s Gift Helps Veterans, Honors Family

U.S. Army veteran Paul McNally served his country for 20 years. Today, he's extending his spirit of service to current and future veterans with gifts to UWM.

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