Investing in the Future: How One USD Professor Emerita Turned Generosity into Her Legacy.
Joan Anderson, a retired professor of economics at the University of San Diego, wanted to create a scholarship at USD and had planned to put that in her will. Her son said why wait, do it now when you can enjoy it. So, Joan consulted with the Planned Giving Director at USD who...
I had the privilege of serving as a professor of economics at the University of San Diego for 28 years. After retiring, I began to travel more and to spend cherished time with my family. I also took on the meaningful task of creating my estate plan.
That process required me to reflect deeply on my personal values and how I wanted my legacy to reflect those values. As a university professor, I naturally value education. But I realized that not all education is equally accessible to those who seek it. That insight inspired me to leave a gift to USD in my estate plan.
I established the Joan B. Anderson Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial support to deserving students who face financial challenges in pursuing their degree at USD. Setting this up was remarkably simple I named the University of San Diego as the beneficiary of my Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Now that I am required to take minimum distributions from my IRA, I donate a portion each year to help build the scholarship that will eventually be fully funded through my estate. One unexpected joy of doing this while I'm still here is that I've had the opportunity to meet several recipients of my scholarship. I truly enjoy following their journeys through college and beyond.
Creating my estate plan was a transformative experience, and I am deeply grateful that I can support a university that has meant so much to me.
As an alumnus, parent, or friend of USD, I invite you to consider joining me in this effort.
By including USD in your estate plan - through either a bequest or a beneficiary designation - you can leave a meaningful legacy on campus. Did you know that more than 77% of USD students receive some form of scholarship aid? Your generosity could change a student's life.
The USD Office of Planned Giving made the process easy for me, and they are a great resource for anyone considering a similar path. I encourage you to contact Erin Kathleen Jones, Director of Planned Giving, at (619) 944-3318 or [email protected] with any questions.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting impact and to help the University of San Diego continue Lighting the Way Forward.
Sincerely,
Joan Anderson
