Legacy Stories

Celebrating a Milestone

Phil Burck '58

Phil credits Lawrence with providing him the requisite tools for a rewarding life. "The personalized education I received prepared me for a successful career as a research scientist at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. More importantly, my Lawrence education opened up my mind to consider the 'big picture.'"

For decades, Phil has been a faithful donor to The Lawrence Fund, the college's annual fund which supports the college's operations. To mark the occasion of his 50th reunion, Phil decided to join with classmate Kim Hiett Jordan '58 and issue a challenge to encourage their classmates to increase their giving to The Lawrence Fund.

Phil also decided to commemorate the milestone by establishing a charitable remainder unitrust and naming Lawrence as the primary beneficiary. Phil used highly appreciated stock to fund the trust. Since the trust will support charities like Lawrence, Phil avoids capital gains tax on the stock – and qualifies for a charitable deduction. In addition, the trust provides Phil with annual income. Eventually, the principal will benefit Lawrence University and other institutions that enrich the lives of those they serve.

"Lawrence was a transforming experience," Phil says, "and I have remained grateful for faculty like Professor of Chemistry Robert Rosenberg who sought to develop the individual --- in addition to the intellect. I have had a blessed life, but I have limitations in my philanthropic abilities. The charitable remainder trust offered me a perfect option of making a gift to Lawrence of a greater magnitude than I'd previously imagined, while providing me with more income in my retirement years. It's a great plan. I highly recommend it!

Like Mother Like Daughter

Ruth Legler Qualich M-D'55

From the time I was very young I heard about the wonders of Milwaukee-Downer College from my mother who graduated in the class of 1925. She told of being in Miss Brown’s Christmas plays, daily chapel, the glamour of Mademoiselle Serafon, food chemistry with Miss Caswell, Hat Hunt and more. My own experience at Downer was just as wonderful, as a whole new world was opened to me academically, socially and philosophically.

This life-altering opportunity was made possible by those who came long before with a vision to establish an excellent liberal arts school for women. I was a beneficiary of that vision and am grateful that the vision still lives on at Lawrence University. From what I have experienced of Lawrence, I’m convinced that students today find their lives are just as remarkably changed through academics and as part of the campus community.

I want to be with those who help make this experience possible well into the future. In addition to annual gifts to the Lawrence Fund, I have included a simple clause in my will that leaves a percentage of my estate to Lawrence University. I am proud to be a member of the Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle.

Not the Shy Retiring Type

Ken Alvord '07

After graduation, Ken Alvord '07 faced a world of possibilities. As a student, Ken was active on the football team, a leader in campus political organizations and manager of the Viking Room. Though he majored in government and philosophy, Ken's classes in history and economics helped to round out his view of the world. Later, while working as a paralegal, Ken studied foreign language, did humanitarian work in Haiti and taught financial literacy to high school students. "I got so much out of my time at Lawrence," Ken says. "I knew I wanted Lawrence to thrive so others could benefit from this kind of education as I did."

In addition to giving what he can to The Lawrence Fund every year, Ken has named Lawrence as a beneficiary of his first retirement account. Ken states, "While I do not have much to give now, I learned I could take this simple step to ensure Lawrence will receive something — hopefully much more — later." This flexible way to give doesn't require a lawyer or a will. Ken knows that this gift will not come to the college for many years, but he believes that "it is important for people of all ages to consider providing for Lawrence within their estate plans, no matter when their planning starts."

Individual retirement accounts are also great sources for charitable gifts during one's life. In 2009, those age 70½ or older can make charitable gifts of up to $100,000 directly from an IRA completely tax-free! IRA gifts can be directed to The Lawrence Fund or a variety of other college programs. Whatever your stage of life, please contact the Lawrence University Office of Development at 1-800-283-8320 to learn about using an IRA to make a simple and tax-wise charitable gift.

A Home Away From Home - Björklunden

Margaret L. Krueger, Friend of Lawrence

While she did not attend Lawrence, Fox Cities native Margaret Krueger became a member of the Lawrence family when she married Helmut Krueger '48, and later developed a strong fondness for Björklunden. Helmut began his education in 1943 with the help of a Lawrence scholarship. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Lawrence and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1948. Helmut remained grateful to Lawrence and his professors until his death in 2004. Before he passed away, Helmut and Margaret made provisions in their will to establish The Helmut and Margaret Krueger Scholarship Fund and The Margaret and Helmut Krueger Endowment for Björklunden. "Helmut was so happy that we were able to ensure this special legacy at Lawrence. This is a very special gift for both of us, and it warms my heart that Helmut's legacy will live on in perpetuity at the college."

A Brave Artist with a Big Impact

Elizabeth Richardson M-D'40

Perceptive, committed, and curious, Elizabeth Richardson, M-D '40, had a gift for creating art that depicted her surroundings while also reflecting her wit and whimsy. This talent, along with her engaging personality, endeared her to family, friends, and classmates.

Elizabeth volunteered to serve in the Red Cross during World War II. Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 27, when she died in a plane crash over France. Her grave is in an honored and distinguished place, as she is one of a very few women buried at St. Laurent Sur Mer American Cemetery above Omaha Beach in Normandy.

A prize fund created at Milwaukee-Downer College after Elizabeth's death continues to reward outstanding young women art students at Lawrence. In addition, her brother, Charles M. Richardson (below), has decided to carry forward Elizabeth's spirit and joy of life by establishing the Elizabeth Ann Richardson Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to young women pursuing degrees in art. Through a generous outright gift, he has launched the fund now, and it will be substantially augmented through a bequest provision. He also has included a provision in his estate donating many of Elizabeth's Milwaukee-Downer possessions and artwork to the college.

Note: Charles passed away June 12, 2013, leaving a legacy to Lawrence of Elizabeth's signed watercolor and oil paintings along with letters, journals, scrapbooks and other memorabilia.