1. Home
  2. Alumni + Giving
  3. Planned Giving
  4. Meet Our Donors
  5. Robert and Valborg Gross

A Love for Loyola

Robert and Valborg GrossRobert and Valborg Gross—that's Bob and Val to most of us—were first introduced to Loyola University New Orleans when they moved to the city in 1985. Both professional musicians, they frequently attended performances at the then new Roussel Hall. Thirty-three years later, they still attend performances and stay connected through membership in the Heritage Society. Bob, who served as Director of Planned Giving from 1995 until his retirement in 2014, has named Loyola a beneficiary of a portion of his retirement funds.

In 1988 the New Orleans Symphony was in danger of closing down, a result of crisis in the oil and gas industry. At that time, the Rev. James C. Carter, S.J., was serving as Loyola's 14th president. Fearing that Loyola would lose some of its music faculty, Loyola, through Fr. Carter, offered free courses to all members of the orchestra. Val, a violist with the Symphony, took advantage, as did others, of the kind gesture, enrolling in four courses.

It was the first time Bob and Val experienced Jesuit education. What impressed them most was the atmosphere of kindness on campus and the generosity expressed by both faculty and staff toward the students. To this day, the couple is grateful to Fr. Carter. Bob and Fr. Carter remain close friends, Bob having recently audited Fr. Carter's course, "Faith, Science and Religion."

Robert and Valborg GrossBob had previously practiced tax law and estate planning in New York and Florida, and became a member of the Louisiana bar in 1988. In 1995 he became the university's second director of Planned Giving. His predecessor, Clarence Guillory, remained at Loyola part-time as Bob transitioned into his new job, which was invaluable. Bob was impressed with the amount of support he received from the Loyola administration, faculty, alumni and students, and remains loyal and appreciative to this day.

"I had a fantastic job that I thoroughly enjoyed and was able to work with such caring people," he says. "There is this universal love for Loyola wherever I go and with whomever I meet."

You can help others experience the Jesuit difference at Loyola with a gift through your will, estate plan or retirement account. Contact Kevin Maney at 504-861-5442 or kmaney@loyno.edu to learn more.

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Loyola University New Orleans a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Loyola University New Orleans [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Loyola University New Orleans or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate, or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Loyola University New Orleans as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Loyola University New Orleans as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Loyola University New Orleans where you agree to make a gift to Loyola University New Orleans and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address