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Providing Opportunities for Future Students

J. Conlon

J Conlon '84 is using her will to ensure a Saint Michael's education is within reach of deserving students for years to come.

"I most appreciate the opportunity I had to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by people who truly cared about my well-being and success," says J Conlon '84 about her experience at Saint Michael’s College.

During her time at St. Mike's, J was involved on campus. She got a job on the stage crew, became a resident assistant, participated in student government and co-chaired the social committee. Along the way, she credits Jennie Cernosia, Mike Samara, Dave Landers and the late Fr. Mike Cronogue who "helped form me as a good human being."

J got her first post-college job at the very first career planning and networking seminar organized by the college in Boston. J worked in the hospitality industry for seven years and went on to a 20-year career in operations, human resources, and employee development. "My degree in English and the tutelage of Drs. Cary Kaplan and Nick Clary served me well. All organizations need good communicators. The time I spent at St. Mike's allowed me to hone that skill."

When asked what she feels is the value of a Saint Michael's education, J says, "I am a big fan of a liberal arts education. I believe it's important to be able to think across a wide range of disciplines."

J has been a consistent donor to the College for most of the years since her graduation. "Last year, in honor of my 35th reunion, my wife, Nancy, and I wanted to make a meaningful gift. By making a charitable bequest to Saint Michael's, we were able to make a more significant donation that would provide for future students."

And J knows the value of the relationships and friendships students can take away from their time on campus. Her St. Mike's friends have remained a part of her life over the past 35 years.

"We were roommates and classmates, but since then we've been in each other's weddings, are godparents to each other's children, have supported each other through transitions and losses, and celebrated each other's greatest joys."

Her advice for new students is to remember the words of Mother Theresa (written over the door of the MOVE office): "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

As for her perspective on the common thread in her life, J reflects, "perhaps it is that sense of belonging to each other and trying to be of service to others that has guided my professional and personal life."

It is indeed a rich life to serve others and St. Michael's is blessed to have wonderful alumni like J.

Like J, you can make an impact on future Saint Mike's students with a planned gift. Contact Carla Francis at 802-654-2618 or cfrancis@smcvt.edu to learn more.

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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.

Learn What Matters

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Saint Michael’s College 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 give, bequeath, and devise to Saint Michael’s College, an educational organization established by law at One Winooski Park, Box 256, Colchester, Vermont 05439, whose Federal Tax ID number is 03-0179403 [here follows the dollar amount or percentage of the gift, or an accurate description of the securities, insurance policies, retirement funds, or the amount or percentage of the residual estate, or the real estate or other assets given].”

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 Saint Michael's College 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 Saint Michael's College 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 Saint Michael's College 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 Saint Michael's College where you agree to make a gift to Saint Michael's College 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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