Gift Planning

Sculpting the Future: Leslie Kaufman ’74

When Leslie Kaufman ’74 reflects on her Colgate days, she’s the first to admit that some of the memories that first come to mind are rather quotidian.

“Inhaling the crisp cold air as I walked between classes; watching the antics of the campus dogs; listening to people play guitars in dorm rooms,” she recalls.

An English major, Kaufman also cherishes memories of classes with “outstanding professors,” such as Wilbur Albrecht, Bob Blackmore, Fred Busch, George Hudson, Jonathan Kistler, and

Joe Slater. “All of them imbued literature with spirit and insight.”

After graduation, Kaufman pursued an MEd in counseling psychology at Columbia University and, later, an MFA at Vermont College. Her career was guided by her passion for art, especially sculpting, and she went on to found Philadelphia Sculptors, a nonprofit that promotes art education and awareness, in 1996. Today she serves as the organization’s president and works as a sculptor and art writer from her Philadelphia home.

Kaufman is also an active philanthropist, both through her own foundation and others — many focused on supporting visual art, the environment, and animal welfare. But her gift to Colgate, a bequest, is “deeply personal,” she explains.

“My time at Colgate left a deep and lasting impact on me and my life afterwards,” she says. “I am also very impressed by the directions in which Colgate is now going.”

Kaufman’s estate provision, which she shared with Colgate to count toward her 50th reunion class gift, is a simple and direct way to give back — helping future generations benefit from the University’s “superb faculty, wealth of opportunities, resources, and commitment to a quality liberal arts education.”

“Colgate is a very special place, and I want future students to love and value their experiences there as much as I did mine.”

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.