Gift Planning

A Game Changer: Cynthia Perry ’74

Cynthia Perry ’74, P’19 and Michael P. Herman ’19

Colgate has long held a special place in my heart.

The day my dad brought home an article from the New York Times announcing Colgate would admit women to the Class of 1974 was thrilling. Colgate was my first choice, and the world was changing. I wanted to be a part of its first class of women as well as a new world of women in business.

Neither of my parents expected to go to college, but after World War II, the GI Bill allowed my father to attend college and earn his PhD to teach at NYU and Lehigh and become a corporate economist. He always appreciated the value of the education he received.

My Colgate experience was outstanding — teaching me to be passionate about my beliefs, to not be afraid of hard work, and to collaborate with others. I remain thankful to David Stern, my favorite political science professor, for his open door and sound counsel.

Despite 50 years of working in advertising on major brands like Pantene, P&G, Nabisco, AT&T, Citibank, and Clairol, I always found time for Colgate. Over the years, I supported the Presidents’ Circle, worked with Rebecca Chopp on Passion for the Climb, joined the Women’s Leadership Council, served on the Parents Steering Committee when my son attended Colgate, and helped organize my class’ 50th Reunion earlier this year.

Today I am reaching out to you about an opportunity to make a lasting impact for Colgate.

As the University enters its Third Century, we have the opportunity to be present in its future — and I wanted to make a meaningful difference. I shared my thoughts with Planned Giving, and they recommended leveraging my IRA. As a nonprofit designated beneficiary, Colgate will not pay taxes on my gift, thereby maximizing the full value of my contribution. I documented my gift to financial aid, recognizing the important role it played in my father’s life and adding to the promise of the Campaign for the Third Century.

This is my plan. What’s yours?

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.