Planned Giving

Discover what’s possible

Read these stories to find out more about how your gift can make a difference.

Fall 2009

Couple’s gifts support injury prevention research and education — today and in the future

Curt O’Hagan is fond of remarking that seven years after his diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a degenerative motor neuron disease similar to the fasterprogressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), he is still a pest to his friends and family.

Major grant funds stem cell research collaboration

Most major medical discoveries don’t happen in a single lab; they result from close collaboration across multiple institutions, often over many years. That’s why it was big news when University of Minnesota researchers learned in October that they had received a seven-year collaboration grant to help develop the high-potential field of stem cell therapy.

Spring 2009

A recession-proof investment

Our philanthropy is an extension of our most deeply held values. In tough economic times, careful choices are inspired by our priorities. By leaving a legacy, you will help create a future that will improve the quality of life for people with eye diseases and disorders throughout the world.

Winter 2009

U of M receives $40 million for type 1 diabetes research

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation in December made a $40 million pledge to the U of M for diabetes research. The gift will capitalize on the University’s strength in this field and aims to shorten the timeline for translating research into a cure for people with type 1 diabetes.

Fall 2008

Charitable IRA legislation extended through 2009

If you are required to receive minimum distributions from your IRA and do not need the money for personal use, consider using those funds to make a charitable gift to the Minnesota Medical Foundation, which supports healthfocused research, education, and care at the University of Minnesota.

Wills can make dreams for the future a reality

There are many reasons why every adult should have a valid, thoughtful, and carefully planned will. One of the most important reasons may be to fulfill a lifelong dream for the future through a charitable bequest.

Minnesota ‘transplants’ sing University’s praises and bestow an estate gift

When Thomas Carrier, M.D., joined an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Minnesota in 1966, he and his wife, were a little apprehensive about how they would adjust to life away from their families. Forty-two years later, the Carriers are still here. They are proud to have raised their three daughters in the dynamic Twin Cities community.

Spring 2008

Grateful patient hopes gift will advance macular degeneration research

Ruth Hanold has many reasons for supporting eye research at the University of Minnesota. She has had macular degeneration in both eyes for a decade and more recently was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts. The active 93-year-old moved to a community four years ago when her eyesight became so poor that she could no longer drive.

Woman shows appreciation for four decades of care through donation

It was 40 years ago when Mildred Giordano first made the 320-mile drive from her home in South Dakota to the University of Minnesota. She repeated the trip countless times over the years, by car and by plane, seeking treatment at the University’s Dept. of Ophthalmology for her deteriorating vision.

Supporting resident research

To honor their parents, Leslie Turner, Fritz Corrigan, and Nancy Woodrow have endowed a fund for resident research and education in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health. Born and raised in Minnesota, the three siblings have seen how the state has benefited from the U of M’s many areas of expertise.

‘If you’re given a gift’

Emphasizing the positive is a credo with McGahee. Diagnosed in May 2005 with advanced ovarian cancer, she had surgery that month and then again two years later, when the cancer returned. McGahee recalls asking her doctor how she could still be going. “Dr. Argenta said, ‘Part of it is your outlook on life.’ I just haven’t gotten depressed.”

Winter 2008

Supporting students: Through estate gifts

Donors share their motivations for giving to SPH scholarships. Whether it’s honoring a dedicated educator, “paying it forward,” or supporting a longtime interest, donors to the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health (SPH) have many reasons for giving to student scholarships.

Spring 2007

Accomplish charitable and financial goals through gift annuities

As we age, many of us begin to think about how we can make a difference in the world. Many people choose to make a difference by donating to charitable organizations that represent their priorities and values. Gift annuities can be an excellent way for donors to achieve their goals and gain financial and tax benefits.

Fall 2006

Senator’s planned gift represents hope for a cure

In the history of Minnesota State Senator Ann Rest’s family‚ ataxia has been a “tragic challenge.” Rest’s husband battled hereditary ataxia‚ as did his grandmother‚ mother‚ and sister. Rest wanted to get involved with the Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center to find a better future for people with ataxia.

Teaching by example

Recently Barbara learned how a charitable gift annuity from the Minnesota Medical Foundation‚ which will benefit research‚ education‚ and care in women’s health at the University of Minnesota‚ can allow her to be even more generous.

Spring 2006

Former teammate honors Bob Allison’s legacy—and creates his own—with gift

Jim Schindler met Bob Allison on the baseball field. They played together in the minor leagues in the mid ’50s‚ and their personalities clicked off the field as well. At the Bob Allison Ataxia Golf Classic in August‚ Schindler announced that he would give $1 million to the Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center.