It's Never Too Early to Provide for Saint Michael's...Just Ask John Hahn '75
John Hahn'75 has fond memories of his time at Saint Michael's College. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so at the very early age of 43, he and wife, Lisa made a bequest intention in their will, naming Saint Michael's as a beneficiary. The bequest is in the form of an endowment to support Fine Arts here at the College, and was made in honor of their wedding anniversary.
"The seed for this bequest was planted over a number of years by former Associate VP of Alumni Relations & Development, Rit DiVenere, and reinforced by former College President Marc vanderHeyden, both of whom encouraged alums to think about providing for the College's future when making their estate plans," John says.
In 1996, he and Lisa had been married for a number of years and had two children, Eleanor and Tim. They were planning a vacation (without the children) that involved flying, so they did the responsible thing and drafted their wills. If something were to happen to them, they wanted to ensure that their children's future would be secure. John says, "When you are writing your will, it gets you thinking about the end of life and putting your affairs in order. It is also a good time to think about the family and special places that are important to you and that you want to provide for after you're gone."
Some of John's fondest memories involve the "Boys of Ryan Hall" and the good times they shared. They stay close and see each other once or twice a year, and support each other in difficult times. It is these life-long friendships — this camaraderie of 39 years — for which John is most grateful.
John, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur, started with the store he ran from his room in Ryan Hall, selling sodas and candy. He called it "Alfred E" in honor of his idol, Alfred E. Mann. He is currently Partner (with wife, Lisa) & CFO of Caugherty Hahn Communications, Inc., an independent Public Relations Agency in Glen Rock, NJ.
He fondly remembers springtime softball games on the lawn behind Lyons Hall — now the Durick Library, and going to UVM to watch Marx Brothers movies. "One of the best things about Saint Mike's is that you felt you knew almost everyone on campus," John says. Some of John's favorite professors were Nick Clary, Bill Wilson (with whom he hiked Mt. Mansfield), and Ed Foley (now deceased).
John is very proud of daughter, Eleanor, who will graduate from Saint Michael's in June. She too lived in Ryan Hall as a first-year student, and recently volunteered at Covenant House in NYC during her spring break. For the Hahns, Saint Michael's is a "family affair!"
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.