Gift Planning

Deferred Gifts: Larger, Later — A Conversation with Kevin Padian ’72, MAT’73

Kevin Padian ’72, MAT’73 ended up making a larger gift to Colgate than he first thought possible for his 50th reunion.

“Some temporary limits in liquidity made me consider reducing the amount I was planning and giving more later,” Kevin explained. “Then I learned that adding a bequest intention to my will counts toward our class gift, so I decided to double the amount and commit right away.”

This 50th-reunion contribution was not Kevin’s first major gift to Colgate. Years ago, Kevin established an annual prize for a rising senior in the Department of Geology. This gift honors his mentor, Robert M. Linsley.

“Bob was a legendary teacher,” recalled Kevin. “If I hadn’t stumbled into his office in my first year at Colgate, I’d never have become interested in paleontology — or science at all.”

Kevin retired in 2020 from California, Berkeley, where he taught as a professor and curator for 40 years after earning his PhD from Yale.

“Through my entire teaching career, I was inspired by my Colgate professors,” said Kevin. “Bob Linsey and Fred Weyter’s storytelling. Tony Aveni’s humor and integration of science and culture. Fred Busch’s humanity and insight. Bob Goodwin, Jerry Balmuth, Phil Crook, Doc Summers, and “Doc” Eugene Adams, who studied pragmatism with John Dewey and taught us how to evaluate arguments.”

Kevin also met another important scientific mind at Colgate — his wife, Nancy Schwartz ’73, who went on to become a distinguished epidemiologist.

Kevin is thankful for the financial aid that made these experiences possible. “I grew up in an apartment over a stable on an estate in rural New Jersey,” he said. “I could never have afforded to pay for college. People at Colgate like Robin Jaycox believed in me; I was awarded a full tuition, and it changed my life. So many alumni have similar stories. We need to pay that forward to the next generation.”

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.