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Donor Stories

A Legacy of Love in Action

Lisa Brodoff, retired Seattle University Law Professor Emerita, and her spouse Lynn Grotsky, a retired clinical social worker, have spent the last 42 years embracing pressing community challenges and advocating for others.

Inherited IRA Compliments an Albers Legacy

For Marsha Tellesbo-Kembel, '70, '77 MBA, building a legacy means giving back and paving the way for future learners in a manner that aligns with her passions, while also honoring her late sister and fellow Seattle University alumna.

Guiding Principles Steer the Southall�s Legacy
Giving

To realize the impact that thoughtful, intentional giving can have on Seattle University, look no further than Rose Southall and her late husband Jack Southall, '55.

Gift Planning for a Flourishing Future

Welcoming a new academic year at Seattle U through the lens of the new Director of Gift Planning.

Frank and Marilyn '77 Clement Create Legacy Challenge for SU Gives 2022

Legacy Society members, Frank and Marilyn, have been longtime donors to Seattle University.

Boost Your Awareness of Giving Options

Thank you to everyone who responded to the Seattle University Gift Planning donor survey. The information shared is already shaping our services and communications for this year and beyond.

A Family Passion Combined With Strategic Giving

Loyal Seattle U sports fans know the O'Brien name. Terry was married to Eddie O'Brien for almost 25 years. Eddie was one-half of the legendary O'Brien twins, who lifted Seattle University...

In Memoriam - Bequest By Will to Support the New BSU Scholarship

Sharon Green, Class of 1969, was the first woman president, and the first Black woman president of the Seattle University Student Political Union, now called the Student Government of Seattle U.

Q & A with Joe Gaffney, '67

Joe Gaffney of Dorsey & Whitney's Tax and Estate Planning group is a trusted adviser to numerous families, closely held business owners, trusts and nonprofit organizations. A member...

The Burke Family - Legacy in Action

In Suzie Burke's own words, "We come from a family of Catholics with conservative values and entrepreneurial spirit and we are dedicated to being in Seattle." The Burke family's strong...

Giving Back and Staying Engaged

As the Founder and CEO of LegacyONE Executive Communications, Karen has crafted her own ideal career as a writer, presenter, and book writing coach. Her...

Top 5 Reasons to Create or Update Your Plans

Most of us are not born planners. Still, we know we owe it to our loved ones to make our wishes known, and to put documentation in place that will...

The friendship of Dave Madsen, an associate professor in Seattle University's history department, and Mike Koenig, of Koenig Financial Group, goes way back.

Inspired Generosity

Betty Woods' relationship with Seattle University began more than 40 years ago during what she describes as a vulnerable time in her life.

Making a Gift that Gives Back

Bernie and Joyce purchased a weekend cabin on waterfront property more than...

Receive Secure Income with a High Return

Seattle University had just three buildings when Donald Hoba graduated...

Academic, activist and philanthropist - a trail-blazer with deep roots on Bainbridge Island

In 2016, Sonya Quitslund, a Seattle University alumna and former adjunct professor who taught summer theology courses, made a generous...

A Living Legacy of Friendship

Marie Materi and Fred Brandauer grew-up a world apart, yet came together, according to Marie, for a purpose.

Revered Relationships Inspire Giving

Jeanne Marie Lee's ties to the Jesuits began early in life. Her father, who had attended Seattle College...

A Fulfilling Career in Nursing Begun at SU

At the age of 12, Joan decided that she wanted to become a nurse. Once she arrived at Seattle U, she knew that she had made the right decision.

Linda and David Strout: A Gift by Will in Gratitude for Their Legal Education

Not ones to shy away from ambitious volunteer roles, Linda and David are serving as Co-chairs for the School of Law Legacy Society Committee.

Joe and Mary met while students at Seattle U. They have each enjoyed successful careers and together have built a life of many passions.

Finding Peace of Mind: Clearing Out A House Full of "Stuff"

If you're an adult with aging parents, chances are you're probably going to be dealing with a house full of "stuff" in the near future...

Helen '76 and Bob Batie decide to see the impact of their giving during their lifetimes

Helen received her MA in 1976 after four consecutive summers in the SU Master of Religious Education, or SUMORE program.

Joan and John Watt include the law school they love in their estate plans

Joan Duffy Watt was a neophyte staff member in the PR office at the University of Puget Sound when she was assigned to write a press release about a major university decision.

Giving with Grace

Grace Munzer retired from the military with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Continuing the Jesuit Tradition with a Gift by Will

Peter and Denise have been faithful supporters of Seattle University over the...

Giving Back through a Gift by Will

Lydia Gonzales immigrated from the Philippines as a young woman and...

Annuity Beneficiary

When planning his estate, John Ruffo made sure to take care of three groups who had taken care of him: his high school, his church and Seattle University.

Give it Twice Trust

While visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.

A Generous Gift, A Reliable Return

It would be safe to say that Seattle University alumnus Don Hoba, '51 didn't follow a typical career path...

The Seattle University Youth Initiative

When Carol Ann and Karl Barnickol, decided to support the nationally acclaimed Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI), they had very clear reasons for their generosity.

Rates Have Increased for Charitable Gift Annuities

Turn Assets into Lifetime Income

Deferred Gift Annuity

Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.

Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity

Lewis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially.

A Bequest to Further Good Work

Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.

Capital Gains Tax Bypassed

Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities.

Property Turns Into Income

Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their children. After her spouse passed, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her home.

A Bequest to Save Taxes

Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.

Peace of Mind Gift Annuity

Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it.

Tax Benefits of a Current Gift

Virgil Fassio worked in the newspaper business for three decades.

A Lasting Legacy

Joe '67 and Terri '67 Gaffney met at Seattle University and remember many...

Securing the Future for Seattle U

Suzie Burke '63 has always been a true believer in a Seattle University education.

Leading for the Future

Luke and Candice spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.

Providing for Our Children's Future

Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.

Fixed Income for Retirement

After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.

A Veteran Caring for Fellow Veterans

Jerry Yahiro '66 decided to attend Seattle University after meeting late President, Fr. Bill Sullivan, on one of Fr. Sullivan's recruiting trips to Hawai'i. Jerry was among 40 students from Hawai'i when...

A Generous Heart Staying Close to Home

It's hard to imagine there are many people who have been "closer" to Seattle University over the years than Bill Eisiminger...

For more donor stories visit our Legacy Society Newsletter Archive.