Inspired by a Jesuit Education
Steve Williams' path to Loyola was initially forged in a World History class at his Florida high school, where he first learned about the Jesuits. From then on, he was intrigued with the order and their vision of education based on Ignatian values.
Steve mentioned his interest to his mother and a family friend. As he was nearing the time to decide on a college, his friend gave him information on several Jesuit universities and Steve selected Loyola University New Orleans.
When Steve first arrived on campus, he felt like a fish out of water. His hometown in Florida was small in contrast to New Orleans. Steve's mother advised him to adjust and embrace this new experience. It didn't take long for him to acclimate and make friends in his dorm, which made for a smooth transition.
Steve found a welcoming and wonderful community at Loyola. He was impressed with the professors, who took an interest in the success of their students. In particular, he fondly recalls Dr. Sabatini, his language professor, who was a great mentor. Steve was a political science major at Loyola, as he planned to attend law school. Political Science was a traditional undergraduate degree for those planning a career path in law.
Steve has a successful legal practice in Trinity, Florida where he is a partner with Williams and Ackley. He practices in the areas of bankruptcy, civil litigation, business closings, personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, and wills and probate.
Steve is grateful for his Jesuit education at Loyola and wanted to give back to the university. As he considered his estate, he decided to include Loyola in his plan.
Steve used several estate planning tools, including a bequest in his will and IRA beneficiary designations, among other types of planned gifts. He chose these instruments because he feels that they will provide an easy and straightforward way for the university to receive the funds after his death.
Leaving a Legacy Through a Bequest and IRA Beneficiary Designations
Steve included Loyola in his will. Making a will is a strategic way to provide for your loved ones and favorite charitable organizations. Some ways that donors have named Loyola in their will include (1) a specific bequest of an exact amount or specific item; (2) a percentage bequest; (3) a bequest of the remainder or residue; and (4) a contingency bequest.
Another way Steve included Loyola in his estate plan is by naming the university as the beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). IRA beneficiary designations offer donors who want to support Loyola University New Orleans' mission after their lifetime with an easy and flexible method.
To name Loyola as a beneficiary, the donor contacts their retirement plan or IRA administrator and completes a beneficiary designation form, naming the university as a beneficiary. After completing the form, the donor returns it to the plan administrator.
Steve's mother was supportive of his decision to attend Loyola, and he believes she would have wanted him to give back to the university. "Loyola gave to me a wonderful education and lifelong friends," he says. "Giving to Loyola is my way of helping future students have the same treasure."
Loyola prepares students to lead meaningful lives with and for others; to pursue truth, wisdom, and virtue; and to work for a more just world. With the support of alumni donors like Steve, Loyola will continue to inspire future generations of Loyola students.
If you would like to learn more about the multitude of flexible ways to strengthen Loyola's legacy and enrich the lives of the students of today and tomorrow, contact Kevin Maney at 504-861-5442 or kmaney@loyno.edu. We are here to help!
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.