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Why I Give: Q&A With Elizabeth Ann Grimm Ph.D. ’71

Elizabeth Ann Grimm

Majoring in chemistry at Randolph was one of the best decisions of her life, shared Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Grimm.

Liz: I knew that Randolph-Macon Woman’s College had wonderful arts, and I had considered pursuing a major in music (which ended up as my minor). However, during my first year, I was drawn to the excitement and promise of science and by a most engaging set of faculty, who ended up providing me with a world-class scientific college educational experience. We had access to the latest instrumentation for our classes and were encouraged to perform independent research projects, which at first seemed very difficult, but quickly changed to being exciting opportunities for discovery. This excitement has turned into a passion for discovery in the field of cancer research, and has stayed with me all my life.

After college, when she started a Ph.D. program at UCLA School of Medicine, Liz says she was better prepared than any of her classmates.

Liz: I attribute this to the unique aspects of Randolph, including the personal attention due to the small class sizes, the requirement of proper English writing in all science reports and mostly due to the quality of the education, as the faculty took time to explain details and engaged directly with students, resulting in knowledge and confidence required for a professional school.”

Liz also appreciated the residential experience, where she gained self-confidence and was required to take a variety of subjects, with notable enjoyable courses such as comparative religion and art history.

Liz: Those have become most useful as well as I travel and meet with scientists from around the world. Randolph did make sure the students had opportunities to achieve and provided a rich environment for all. The advances in science, particularly in cancer and human medical science, are occurring at a pace faster than ever before, and I certainly hope that our current and future Randolph scientists continue access to such opportunities.

You can plan a legacy that creates opportunities for future generations of students and instills a lifelong love of learning like it did for Liz. To learn more about making a gift that supports your passion at the College, contact The Planned Giving Office at 434-485-8050 or plannedgiving@randolphcollege.edu.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

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A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Randolph College 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

 Bequest Language

"I give, devise, and bequeath to the Trustees of Randolph College (founded as Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1891), a corporation located in Lynchburg, Virginia (the College), the sum of $_____ dollars [or property, securities, etc.], to be used for [describe the purpose in as broad and simple terms as possible], or in the event that such use shall in the judgment of the Board of Trustees of the College become impracticable, said trustees may use the bequest for other purposes as nearly akin to the original purpose as they judge will help advance the aims of the College."

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 the College 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 the College 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 the College 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 the College where you agree to make a gift to the College 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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