Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

A Generous Bequest to Perpetuate Ground-breaking Work
A Generous Bequest to Perpetuate Ground-breaking Work
Anne Smallwood is not a multi-millionaire; she is a self-described Navy brat who retired from clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry...
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John and Martha Hitt's Quiet Giving Legacy
John and Martha Hitt's Quiet Giving Legacy
John C. Hitt spent 26 years as the president of UCF, providing unequaled leadership as the university grew dramatically in both size and stature...
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A Knight's Journey Sparks Profession and Philanthropy
A Knight's Journey Sparks Profession and Philanthropy
Robert Aronoff '92's enrollment at UCF was a last-minute decision. Aronoff made his way to UCF on the first day of classes...
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A Commitment to Expand Access and Opportunity
A Commitment to Expand Access and Opportunity
"We were first-generation students ourselves, and we have three daughters who have benefited from higher education," says...
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• Dr. Duane De Freese
  

  Dr. Duane De Freese
  Dr. Duane De Freese supports sea turtle research and conservation
  

Dr. Bruce Whisler Retired UCF Faculty Member
Dr. Bruce Whisler Retired UCF Faculty Member
I had a career in academia because people helped me. My professors took an interest in me. I wouldn't have gotten through college if they hadn't.
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The Garceaus '78
The Garceaus '78
I attended what was then FTU (Florida Technological University) and graduated in 1978, which was the same year the name was changed to...
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Patty Therrien '89
Patty Therrien '89
"I made the decision to include UCF in my estate planning because I wanted to be able to make a difference."
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Judith Thames '73
Judith Thames '73
The education I received from UCF as an older student and a single mom helped me to advance in my profession and to successfully support my...
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Rocky Santomassino
Rocky Santomassino
Having grown up in Orlando, I have always been strongly committed to my community. That means giving back to that community, and my...
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Gift Examples

Tax-Free Sale
Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Fixed Income for Retirement
Fixed Income for Retirement
After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.
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Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities.
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Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it.
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Sale and Unitrust
Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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The Retirement Unitrust
The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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Property Turns Into Income
Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their children. After her spouse passed, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her home.
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Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Lewis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current Gifts
Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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A Bequest to Further Good Work
A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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Deferred Gift Annuity
Deferred Gift Annuity
Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.
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Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Jonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. The home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000.
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A Bequest to Save Taxes
A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.
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Leading for the Future
Leading for the Future
Luke and Candice spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice Trust
Give it Twice Trust
While visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.
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Providing for Our Children's Future
Providing for Our Children's Future
Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.
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