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Is Messiah University included in your Estate Plans?

A significant source of support for Messiah is to document bequest intentions to the University. Knowing and documenting future bequests is important for a number of reasons:

  1. We want to be able to recognize and thank those who wish to Create a Legacy with the University.
  2. We want to be good stewards and utilize the bequest in the way it was desired.
  3. Knowing bequest intentions will enable the University to better plan for its financial future.
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Legacy gifts have been critical to Messiah University's mission. They make up 80% of our endowment, have helped us build numerous facilities, and provided much needed financial aid to students. If you included Messiah University in your estate plans, please print, complete and mail the Confidential Charitable Bequest Intent form to: Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

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Donor Stories

Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

  • ROBIN FOLKERTS '98
    Messiah alum and generous supporter, Robin Folkerts '98, credits Messiah University with giving her the foundation...
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  • Amos K. Stern Scholarships
    Amos K. Stern was born April 2, 1912, near Roaring Spring in Blair County. As the youngest of seven children born to Rev. Aaron and Catherine....
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  • Bringing Pure Water and the Living Water to Nicaragua
    Anticipation rose as we turned off the bumpy dirt highway into off-road country surrounded by roaming farm animals, tiny huts and clotheslines.
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  • Michelle Summerson
    "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." — Philippians 4:9
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  • Ken and Lois Stern
    Ken '68 and Lois (Brandt) Stern '70 credit their parents and grandparents with modeling the spirit of giving and instilling in them a strong spirit...
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  • Shirley M. Lolus '70
    It was September 1967, my youngest child just started kindergarten, and I wanted to get involved in an activity. A friend gave me a Messiah College...
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  • Bequests
    Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization over the years. Both of them strongly believe that it is important to support and encourage our mission.
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  • Tax-Free Sale
    Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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  • Fixed Income for Retirement
    After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Sale and Unitrust
    Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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  • The Retirement Unitrust
    Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Part Gift and Part Sale
    Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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  • Current Gifts
    As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Gift Annuity for Real Estate
    Jonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. The home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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