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Home » Alumni

Lasting Legacies

Charles '49 and LaVon Derstler

"LaVon and I have the satisfaction of knowing we are helping young people attend college someday when our contributions become scholarship funds. I would rather give to Northwest than anywhere else because Northwest did so much for me, and I've used the knowledge I gained at Northwest every day of my life. We highly recommend the purchase of gift annuities to Northwest alumni and friends."

Charles started attending Northwest in 1941 on the National Youth Administration program, and in 1942 he entered the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he returned to Northwest and completed a degree in business and industrial arts in 1949.

Charles has purchased and sold farm property since the early 1950s, and he farms and raises cattle in rural Cameron. LaVon earned an associate's degree at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City. LaVon, now retired, had been employed by the Amoco Oil Company (now BP) for 28 years.

In 1996, Charles and LaVon started purchasing gift annuities from the Northwest Foundation. They have continued to buy annuities because "they are a very good investment and pay a good return. There also is a favorable tax advantage to a charitable donation to education," Charles said. In addition to a gift of highly appreciated stock, most of the couple's real property has been sold and proceeds have been gifted to the Northwest Foundation.

A charitable gift annuity is a giving plan that generates income for you today while ensuring a legacy for future generations of Bearcats. A charitable gift annuity provides a fixed return on your gift for the rest of your life.

Consider these advantages:

• Immediate income tax deduction for donor
• Payout rates between 6 percent and 12 percent
• Part of annuity income is tax-free
• Income can be deferred
• One or two life annuities available
• Leaves a lasting legacy at Northwest

Contact the Office of University Advancement at (660) 562-1248 to find out about the many advantages of creating a charitable gift annuity.