Donor Stories
Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.
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An "Unlikely" Seminary Student Establishes Scholarship at Garrett-EvangelicalDr. Alice Brasfield, G-ETS '69, considered herself "one of the most unlikely of candidates" when it came time to apply for seminary in the late 1960's. To begin with, she had been...
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Garrett-Evangelical Graduate Supports Seminary Through Gift AnnuitiesRev. Deborah Johnson (G-ETS '81) heard her call while working in campus ministry at Iowa State University. She had grown up in...
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Trustee Robert Phillips Backs Garrett-Evangelical's Commitment to Ecological Justice and EnvironmentTrustee Robert Phillips Backs Garrett-Evangelical's Commitment to Ecological Justice and EnvironmentTrustee Robert K. Phillips can't overstate how important he thinks Garrett-Evangelical's renewed commitment to ecological justice and environmental sustainability...
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Meet Chrys Hyde, Church & Community VolunteerIf you want something done right, just ask a busy person. That old adage proved true when Garrett-Evangelical asked Chrys Hyde...
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Meet Ron & Sara King: Faithful Leadership Donors"Watch out for those Single Young Adult Groups," Ron King cautions. "You may end up doing things you never planned!" Ron speaks from experience.
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Meet David and Pat MeyerMy wife Pat and I both grew up in Iowa, though on opposite sides of the state. Pat was a small-town girl, whereas I was a city boy from...
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Meet Rev. Dr. Margaret Zee JonesWhat do you do to continue growing after a successful 30-year career in academic medicine? For Rev. Dr. Margaret Zee Jones, the answer...
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David Harsh Shares His StoryMeet David and Ann Harsh, whose outright and planned gifts are playing an important role in the seminary's future. David received his...
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Joe Trecek—a Faithful FriendWhat inspires a layman in Iowa to support a seminary in Illinois for more than 30 years? According to Joe Trecek, perhaps it was God speaking...
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Victoria Rebeck Shares Her Story.When I arrived at Garrett-Evangelical in 1987, I was transferring from another seminary in order to study with Rosemary Radford Ruether.
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Inara Brubaker Shares Her StoryInara Brubaker came to United Methodism and to the United States in a remarkable way. Her life journey is a story of an individual overcoming...
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Meet John Paul Jones, Jr.When Reverend John Paul Jones, Jr. (ETS 1948) learned how much money it cost to attend seminary, he knew that the price tag would be...
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Joan Sercl Shares Her Story"Our country needs pastors more than ever right now. The need has never been greater," said Joan Sercl. That's why Sercl continues...
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David H. Koss leaves a lasting legacyIn May of 2009, the graduating classes of Garrett Biblical Institute (GBI) and Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS) celebrated...
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Kyle and Alice Spitzer Share Their StoryOur relationship with Garrett-Evangelical began a number of years ago when we were asked to serve on the Council of Laity as...
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Thomas Lane Butts: a Powerful Preacher and Loyal SupporterThomas Lane Butts, a 1957 Garrett graduate, is a gifted writer, storyteller, and preacher. He was featured more than any other person...
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Janet Lutz—a tither all her lifeJanet Lutz (GTS 1969) grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where the Methodist Church played an important part in her life. She attended church...
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Gift Annuities: A Good Way to Invest in Garrett-EvangelicalTaking out a gift annuity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary just made good sense to Elizabeth Johnson. To begin with, the...
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Dorothy and Wayne Bondurant: Called to be in MissionDorothy and Wayne both grew up in Christian homes, accepted Christ as their Savior at an early age, and heard a lot about missions...
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Reverend Glen Hulbert Wants Others to Experience Garrett-EvangelicalRev. Glen Hulbert (GBI 1954) fondly remembers the years he spent studying for his master of divinity degree at Garrett Biblical Institute.
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A Pacesetting Gift to Endow CBEHolly Craig and Gerald Parker have been partners for many years - marriage partners and partners in making the world a better place.
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Orpha Laurie: Leaving a LegacyLike many couples, Orpha Laurie and her husband, John, discussed their wills and their wishes for charitable bequests at times...
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Beverly Judge Invests in Garrett-Evangelical's Future with a Planned GiftThroughout her career, Beverly Judge (GTS '67) has done a lot of thinking about stewardship and charitable giving.
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Reverend Harlene Harden Creates Scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical to Assist Women of ColorIn this complicated social moment of affirming the value of Black lives, Garrett-Evangelical Alumna Reverend Harlene Harden also seeks to affirm Women of Color's Sacred Call to Ministry.
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Reverend Bill Tomlinson Supports Seminary EducationReverend Bill Tomlinson (GBI 1954) said he feels strongly that a Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary education is important...
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Garrett-Evangelical's Vibrancy Inspired Steven Poole to Create an Endowed ScholarshipSteven Poole (G-ETS 1986) was at a crossroads when he decided to create an endowed scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
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Former Garrett-Evangelical Business Officer Creates Internship Fund to Honor His Late WifeJack Turner created the Jack and Sandy Turner Endowed Mission Internship Fund at Garrett-Evangelical for several reasons. To begin with, he wanted to...
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Bob & Muriel Griffin Take Out 30th Gift Annuity as a Way to Support Student ScholarshipsIn December of last year, Bob (GBI '61) and Muriel Griffin took out their 30th gift annuity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. They have been...
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The Time Was Right to Take Out A Gift Annuity at Garrett-EvangelicalJoel Parrott (GTS 1965) had received information about gift annuities at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for several years...
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Bishop Fritz Mutti Uses a Planned Gift to Augment His Scholarship FundIt wasn't hard for Bishop Albert Frederick "Fritz" Mutti, III (GBI 1963) to decide who to make the beneficiary of his retirement fund.
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Rev Beverly Biehr Supports Garrett-Evangelical by Taking Out Two AnnuitiesWhen Rev. Beverly Biehr (GTS 1970, G-ETS 1997) and her husband, Harold, decided to take out two annuities at Garrett-Evangelical...
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Rev. Lou Whitmer Names Garrett-Evangelical Beneficiary of Annuity FundRev. Lou Whitmer didn't follow a traditional path to ministry, graduating from college and then going onto seminary. In fact, she didn't even apply to Garrett-Evangelical's Course of Study Program until she was in her early fifties.
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Gift Examples
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BequestsJoe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.
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Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to CharityJoanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
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Fixed Income for RetirementAfter working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire.
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Tax-Free SaleHoward and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
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Capital Gains Tax BypassedPeter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
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Peace of Mind Gift AnnuityMany years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was very pleased with her home, she bought stock in the company that built the home.
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Sale and UnitrustGene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
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Endowment GiftPat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
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The Retirement UnitrustMary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
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Property Turns Into IncomeMiranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
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Flexible Deferred Gift AnnuityLuis 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 in value.
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Part Gift and Part SaleSusan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current GiftsAs 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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Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)Keith has been a faithful supporter of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and makes regular gifts to support our work.
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Transferable on Death (TOD) GiftsHarold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
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A Bequest to Further Good WorkNancy 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 AnnuitySeveral years ago, Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock.
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What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
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Gift Annuity for Real EstateJonathan purchased his home many years ago for $80,000. The home is now worth $420,000. Jonathan wants to sell his home and buy a condo for $130,000.
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A Bequest to Save TaxesThomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
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Leading for the FutureLuke and Cynthia 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 TrustWhile visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
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Providing for Our Children's FutureRon and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
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Bequest of InsuranceMarla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
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Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
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