Guardians of PC
The Guardians of PC is a giving society honoring those who make Presbyterian College a part of their long-term philanthropic plans. These donors name Presbyterian College as the beneficiary of a planned gift such as a bequest, trust, gift annuity, or other various vehicles for gifting.
The Guardians of PC live out the college motto, Dum Vivimus Servimus, While We Live, We Serve, in a very real and lasting way. Your generosity as a Guardian is recognized in various ways and at events throughout the year. We encourage you to ensure a bright future for the students at PC while providing for your family, your church, and others who are important to you. Become a Guardian today!
Planned Giving is Transformational
Lonnie Sexton McMillian, Jr. ’50 made a planned gift through his will in 2005 to establish the Lonnie S. McMillian Scholarship Fund supporting students with financial need. His gift has touched the lives of more than 20 students, including Sarah Loftis ’23 who majored in political science and was a member of SGA, Political Science Club, South Carolina Student Legislature, Spectrum, Stirling, NAACP, and Chamber Orchestra.
Sarah
Loftis ’23
“This scholarship had a significant impact on my academic career and future by providing financial support, reducing the burden of student debt, and increasing access to educational resources and opportunities. I was able to graduate from PC in just three years with minimal student loans!”
Butch Woodward’s Gift
Transforms Smith Administration Building
Butch Woodward ’60 gifted a life insurance policy to PC during his lifetime. Upon his death, the college renovated Smith Administration Building in his honor, creating a welcoming environment for our students and all who visit the College. The lobby honors the commitment of Butch and Brenda Woodward.
The Woodwards’ son, Russell Woodward, said it is sad that his father did not see the renovations, but heartening to know that PC found a fitting way to remember him. Brenda Woodward said her late husband would be thrilled knowing he influenced first impressions of his beloved PC.
Russell
Woodward
“I think it’s good to have a permanent reminder, not for us, but for everyone to know he was dedicated to Presbyterian College for his entire life,” he said. “It brought my parents together and set our family on a trajectory we’ve all benefited from. So, I think he’d be happy and he’d be proud. I know we are.”
Ways to make an impact
You can make a gift in the future by taking steps today. Some of the opportunities to explore:
The bequest is a gift through your will or revocable trust that enables you to retain the asset during your life and provide significant support when you no longer require the asset. You may choose a specific item, a percentage, or a residual bequest. You may also choose to make PC a contingent beneficiary in case the heirs are unable to receive the estate.
The gift annuity is an irrevocable gift of cash or securities where you receive a predictable fixed income for life. At termination, PC receives the residual value of the annuity. There are also potential tax benefits depending upon your particular situation.
A giving opportunity for those over 70½: In 2011, Federal legislation allows you to make tax-free distributions from your IRA directly to PC. This distribution is not included in your adjusted gross income, so there is no payment of additional tax on a qualified distribution.
The remainder trust is an irrevocable gift of assets into a charitable trust that provides you a fixed (Annuity Trust) or variable (Unitrust) income for life or for a set term. At the trust’s termination, the trust assets become a generous gift to Presbyterian College. There are also potential tax benefits dependent upon your situation.
Make a gift or buy a policy making Presbyterian College the owner and beneficiary. You can purchase a policy for the college, make PC the beneficiary of an existing policy, or gift an old policy that no longer serves its original intended purpose.
Real estate may be deeded outright to or left by bequest. The irrevocable gift of property may provide an immediate tax deduction and avoid capital gains. Due to complexities, be prepared to work with qualified advisors to ensure that this is a suitable gift for both you and for PC
In some cases, retirement assets can be the heaviest assets taxed in an estate. Naming PC as beneficiary can avoid that taxation, enabling the asset to pass tax-free to the college. You may also make PC a percentage beneficiary or a contingent beneficiary of a retirement plan.