The Impact of a Plan
Estate planning is about the values and people who matter most to you. A well-crafted plan ensures your loved ones are cared for and that your legacy reflects what you value most. If you choose not to create a plan that aligns with your wishes, your state will craft one for you—and it may not align with your intentions.
When Jack Dickens '86 and his husband David prioritized their estate plans, they had clear goals. "We have been incredibly fortunate in life, in our careers, family, and friendships. Along the way, through hard work and good fortune, we have accumulated investments, including work retirement plans, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), real estate, and a few other assets. Reflecting on the impact of our legacy, we have begun working with Jordan in the IWU advancement office to craft a plan for how these assets are distributed, which assets are most tax-efficient and simple to gift to living heirs, and how including charity can mean less in taxes and more for our family—especially in light of new and changing tax laws."
Ultimately, "our hope with our legacy is to provide the most good to our family and the causes that mean the most to us." Jack and David wanted their estate plans to achieve the highest, best, and quickest use of their funds while ensuring their final wishes were fulfilled. After all, estate planning isn't just about protecting your assets—it's about protecting your loved ones and giving them clarity during difficult times. By taking this step, you honor your wishes and spare your family unnecessary stress and expense.
Jack, an IWU Board of Trustees member since 2020, and David have supported student scholarships at IWU for over 30 years. Their named scholarships provide students from Jack's hometown high schools of East and West Leyden High Schools with access to an IWU education every year. But they knew they wanted to do more.
"We chose to include IWU in our estate plans because my life was greatly enriched by my choice to attend IWU. Supporting students in the way I received support deeply honors all those who helped and guided me, and I hope to enrich more lives through my planning. As you plan, I hope you would consider joining me in supporting IWU."
