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Thank You for the Happiest Time of My Life

Brent Whitcomb and Susan Anthony-Whitcomb

Brent Whitcomb and Susan Anthony-Whitcomb

For Susan Anthony-Whitcomb '92, her years spent at Loyola University New Orleans were the happiest times of her life, second only to her wedding day. "I cannot name just one moment, one professor, one class, one friendship, or one student organization that doesn't bring back the fond memories. It was a great experience," she says.

She admits that New Orleans was the initial draw, but the incredible welcoming and the sense of belonging she received at Loyola University are what she now remembers most. It is this feeling and opportunity that she wishes to pass along to future students. Susan and her husband, Brent Whitcomb, have named Loyola a percent beneficiary of their retirement accounts.

While at Loyola, Susan always felt like she was a part of something larger than herself. She says, "My spirituality returned." She found comfort in knowing that she was a child of God and in discovering that God was in charge. "It was just what I needed and was extremely humbling."

Susan grew up and lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to New Orleans to work and attend Loyola. A work-study student, Susan worked in the Institute of Politics and was active in the Black Student Union (BSU). She made long-lasting friendships which she cherishes to this day. She graduated with a degree in Communications, but while at Loyola, she realized that she was more comfortable behind the camera. After graduation, she worked in institutional advancement at Tulane University and has spent the majority of her adult life in university relations in several capacities, raising money at various schools for a variety of projects. She is currently serving as director of donor relations at Concordia University Ann Arbor.

In her various positions throughout her career, Susan has grown to recognize and appreciate the importance of philanthropy. As a result, she felt inspired to give back to Loyola. Over the years, she has generously contributed to the Loyola Fund, the BSU and, more recently, to Iggy's Cupboard, Loyola's on-campus food pantry. She has even inspired Brent to give back to his alma mater, Trine University in Indiana.

Making Loyola a beneficiary to their retirement plans is just a small way for them to say thank you. "It means so much to be able to return what I have received. Loyola has done so much for me. I attribute everything I have to Loyola. It has been a blessing and my pleasure to give back to Loyola. I don't know where I would be without the foundation that was instilled in me while I was there!"

If you would like to make a difference for future students, like Susan has, please contact Kevin Maney at 504-861-5442 or kmaney@loyno.edu to learn about the many ways you can give back to Loyola.

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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.
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