Gift Continues Couple's Advocacy for Peace and Justice

Robert and Marilyn (Degler) McClean '55 have dedicated their lives to advocating for peace and justice issues.

Through a planned estate gift to Illinois Wesleyan University, they hope to provide opportunities for students with the same mission. The McCleans have designated a plot of farmland in rural Coles County, Illinois, for Illinois Wesleyan.

"Illinois Wesleyan is important to me," Marilyn said. "I had a very good liberal arts education that gave me a background and prepared me for my life."

Marilyn studied sociology at IWU, where she was active in campus religious life. She enrolled at Garrett-Evangelical Theological seminary in 1955 and met Robert at a social mixer for new students. Marilyn earned a master's degree in religious education and Robert a master's of divinity.

They served Methodist congregations in Kansas before Robert accepted an appointment from the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society to serve the United Methodist Office for the United Nations. Marilyn was a full-time volunteer. The McCleans traveled widely for seminars, workshops and classes. Together they wrote curriculum for children and adults. Marilyn says her IWU education was critical in preparing her for the work.

The McCleans' interest in educational opportunities related to peace and justice has inspired their unrestricted planned estate gift.

"Wesleyan was a great experience for me," Marilyn said. "And I hope that future students will have an opportunity for such a quality education."

You Can Open Doors of Opportunity

Like the McCleans, you can make a gift to IWU in your will or other estate plan to support what matters most to you. Contact Steve Seibring '81 at 309-556-3135 or [email protected] to learn about your giving options.