2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Planned Giving

TRISHA ELCAN

Patricia (Trisha) Elcan is a 1987 College alumna whose interest in the School of Education and Human Development was piqued when she heard Dean Bob Pianta speak on a panel sponsored by the Contemplative Sciences Center. Her daughter, Cate, later earned her undergraduate degree in the Youth & Social Innovation program and then entered the School's Teacher Education program.

“My daughter’s experience then gave me an inside view of the opportunities afforded an EHD student and validated that the School really does prioritize preparing its students to go into their future professions with skill and confidence,” Trisha said.

Trisha became involved with the EHD School’s Parent Leadership Council and is now a member of the Foundation board of directors. In addition to being a current financial supporter, she has made a bequest in her estate plan that will benefit the School.

“I believe in the work the School of Education and Human Development is doing now, and because of the mission of the School, I believe it will continue to stay agile and relevant in a future we cannot know,” Trish said. “I trust that they will continue to be innovative in how they prepare leaders in the practice and study of education, health, and human services.”

Trisha wants her resources to make positive impacts in these areas both now and beyond her lifetime without being too specific or controlling. “I believe that by investing in trusted institutions that share our goals, we empower the future leaders of those institutions to continue making a positive impact in ways we cannot imagine,” she said.

If you would like to follow Trisha’s example, you can make a bequest by having your attorney insert a simple provision in your will or trust. The UVA Office of Gift Planning can provide sample language.

“I can think of no better way to give hope for a better tomorrow for our children than by supporting the School in its mission,” Trisha said.

MORGAN GOAD

Morgan Goad looks back fondly at the UVA Young Writers Workshop as the formative experience of her young adulthood.

She attended the workshop on the recommendation of her high school journalism teacher. “It was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” she said. “It was so exciting to be there with other writers who wanted to hear from me and read my poems.” After high school, she returned for five summers as a counselor. “The Young Writers Workshop changed my life, and I saw it change hundreds of other kids' lives.”

The Young Writers Workshop was established in 1982 by poet and now-retired School professor of English education, Margo Figgins Participants come to Grounds and immerse themselves in one of six creative writing genres through workshops, labs, electives, readings, salons, and performances.

At her job as Associate Director of Development at Jewish Family Services in Richmond, Morgan learned about beneficiary designations as a way to provide future support to a charitable organization. Her benefits include a life insurance plan, and she realized she could support the program that meant so much to her through a beneficiary designation.

She completed the form required by her plan provider, designating a percentage of the benefit to a family member and the rest to the Young Writers Workshop. “As a young person, I'm not super cash liquid,” Morgan explained, “but a beneficiary designation is something I can do now, and something I intend to keep doing.”

Bequests and beneficiary designations provide a wonderful way for alumni and friends of all ages and circumstances to provide support to future EHD School students, faculty, and programs — often at a level much greater than imagined. “If you are not comfortable giving away assets that you might need now or in retirement, consider naming the UVA School of Education and Human Development or one of its programs as a beneficiary of your will, living trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy,” said Erin Hughey-Commers, Associate Director of Gift Planning. “To make a beneficiary designation, you can complete a simple beneficiary designation form provided by your retirement plan administrator, life insurance company, or financial institution.”

The Cornerstone Society recognizes those who are honoring the University’s future through planned gifts, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable gift annuities. Simply notify us to be added to this company of forward-thinking supporters.