Testamentary Pledge

Julia Woodard '61, is returning a favor.

She was a sophomore at WSSU when her father had a heart attack. "He became unable to continue to send me to school," she said, "and I was going to have to withdraw." An instructor told her about a state loan for which she was eligible. With that timely and generous help, she persevered to earn her B.S. in nursing from WSSU and eventually graduated from nurse anesthetist school. "I've had a very lucrative career, and I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to finish school," she said.

Because of the generous support she received, Woodard wanted to help other WSSU students achieve their dreams. She established a provision in her will naming Winston-Salem State as her sole beneficiary. "I don't have children, so I decided this was one way I could give back," she said. She encourages others to explore planned gifts as an easy and affordable way to benefit others. "Anything you can give will help make a difference in someone's future," she said.

Deferred gifts such as Woodard's can begin with small, periodic contributions that grow into large amounts over time. Other planned options make it possible to offer a percentage of an estate without the donor incurring any current expenses.

"We all should give whatever we can," Woodard said. "I've learned that what you do for others all comes back to you in some way."

How It Works

A bequest is a gift from your estate—a transfer of cash, securities or other property made through your estate plans. You can make a bequest to Winston-Salem State University by including language in your will or living trust, or by designating WSSU as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account.

Benefits

• A bequest costs nothing now, yet gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have provided for Winston-Salem State University in the future.
• You retain control of and use of your assets during your lifetime.
• You may modify your bequest if your circumstances change.
• Gifts from your estate to WSSU are exempt from federal estate taxes.
• If you let WSSU know of your plans, we will be able to thank you now and recognize you as a member of our Heritage Society.
• This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

Find Out More

Planned gifts are as uniquely individual as the people who make them. To find out if a bequest or other planned gift with Winston-Salem State (or any of the other UNC system institutions) is right for you, please contact:

Andrea Jenkins
Senior Director of Development
Winston Salem State University
[email protected]
336-750-3114
OR
Kinna N. Clark, Esq.
Senior Director of Development & Gift Planning Services
The University of North Carolina System
223 S. West Street, Suite 1800
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-843-4703
[email protected]