Julie Ann Laudicina ’65

Donor Photo

Joe and Julie Ann Laudicina

"Love as Well as Money" Helps Ensure The Future of Augsburg

Today, hundreds of miles and 40 years of experiences separate Julie Ann Laudicina from her days at Augsburg—but distance and time aside, Augsburg will always hold a place close to her heart.

Laudicina's parents graduated from Augsburg, as did her brother, his wife and their son. And even though she could have had an Ivy League scholarship, Laudicina also chose Augsburg, graduating in 1965 with a degree in English. "I have a lot of meaningful and heartfelt connections with the college," she says. After graduation, Laudicina worked at Augsburg for three years as Director of Student Activities. She then headed east to New York, her present-day home.

"What I learned at Augsburg helped me throughout my adult life," Laudicina says. "There was a sense of inquiry—questioning and exploration—and it was a sound setting for learning how to create relationships." As Laudicina and her husband, Joe, began planning for retirement, their attorney asked if they were interested in providing something to a charitable organization as part of their estate plan. Augsburg will receive Laudicina's only bequest—her way of ensuring the college's future.

"When the lawyer said, 'Do you want to give to what is meaningful in your life?' I thought of Augsburg," says Laudicina, who also makes yearly gifts to the college. She believes that giving to the annual fund should be as satisfying as putting one's name on a scholarship or building. A bequest is a great way to support the ever-important annual fund once a donor passes on. "I am proud to have followed in my parents' footsteps, and I am really proud to be an alum. It's the love, as well as the money," that keeps Augsburg strong, Laudicina says.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Augsburg University 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 to Augsburg University, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 2211 Riverside Ave., CB 142, Minneapolis, MN 55454, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

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 Augsburg University 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 Augsburg University 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 Augsburg University 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 Augsburg University where you agree to make a gift to Augsburg University 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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