Gift Planning

Donor Stories

At Colgate, Bruce Warwick '60 went from a struggling pre-engineering freshman to an inspired economics major building his life in a new direction.

"Colgate stimulated me academically with the much broader liberal arts education and I spread my wings," says Bruce, president and head of development at Columbus Centre LLC in New York City. "Eventually I combined my interest in engineering with the creative side of my economics major to become a real estate developer."

And how! Bruce, who has worked in real estate from Puerto Rico to Fairfield County, Connecticut, helped develop the luxury high-rise Trump International Hotel and Tower and the award-winning Time Warner Center, both in New York.

Following their father to Colgate were daughter Lindsay '83 and son Kyle '88, co-captain of the football team his senior year. Bruce and wife Margaret hope some of their 12 grandchildren will choose Colgate.

With his 50th Reunion approaching and Colgate's Passion for the Climb campaign underway, Bruce chose to establish a two-life gift annuity funded with appreciated stock. Margaret and Bruce gained income for life and will pay reduced capital-gain tax on only part of the appreciation, which will be spread out over both their lifetimes. Most important, he made an unrestricted gift to what he called "an incredible institution."

"Given the tremendous impact that Colgate graduates have made on society, I know the gift will be put to great use," Bruce says. "I feel very good about helping sustain Colgate's tradition of excellence."

The discussion herein is general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. Prospective donors are urged to consult their personal tax and financial advisors concerning the specific consequences of making gifts to Colgate. We would be pleased to discuss, in confidence, ways in which you may support Colgate. These measures may also have an impact on your estate planning.