It’s been a while since Jim Vogeley threw a television off the roof of a building. These days, he’s interested in quietly helping fix problems rather than spectacularly breaking things. The TV stunt, which was his contribution to the engineering school’s version of the classic egg-drop challenge, was admittedly a one-time thing — just college […]

Kelly Braddy Van Winkle says she has finally stopped bouncing. For years, when she was introduced to innovative, interesting new work at Duke, she dove into it, supporting it financially and as a volunteer … until the next interesting idea came along and she bounced over to it. Then Van Winkle learned about the Human […]

Major life events mark our most important milestones. As we all continue to adjust in these uncertain times, flexibility is key. We reconsider what is most important to us, re-examine our plans, and try our best to prepare for what’s to come. If you are looking for a way to have an impact at Duke […]

In this three-part series, we’ll explore strategic gift options and introduce you to Duke alumnae who have made lasting impacts on the university through planned giving. Whether you are just starting to consider how a legacy gift can work for you, or are already working with a financial advisor or estate attorney, we are here […]

Major life events mark our most important milestones, and, let’s face it, we’re in the midst of a major life event that none of us ever expected. In times like these, flexibility can be key. We can reconsider what is most important to us, re-examine our plans, and try our best to prepare for what’s […]

There is no time like the present (while you are still working) to plan for fun-filled days of blissful retirement in a tax-wise manner. During our busy, sometimes frenetic, working years, it can be difficult to take time to consider retirement planning options that include a charitable gift component. But the effort may be well […]

Financial planning is really about life planning. Throughout my career as a financial planner and advisor, I’ve had many conversations about long-term care options and discuss the importance of addressing the near- and far-term events of the future. I’m also someone who has gone through the process of long-term care planning in my own life, […]

When it comes to estate planning, there is often confusion about the treatment of retirement plans—such as individual retirement accounts, employment stock ownership plans, pension plans, 401(k) plans, or 403(b) plans. You may not be clear on how your retirement plans will get transferred to your heirs or favorite charity. Failure to properly understand and […]

Conventional wisdom suggests that we review our estate plans every three to five years. If you are like me, reviewing your estate plans may stay on your “to do” list far longer than five years. It often takes an external event—such as the prospect of summer travel—to inspire us to dust off our estate planning […]

It was a wonderful time celebrating with alumni and friends at Duke Reunion Weekend, held earlier this month on April 15-17, 2016.  Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning hosted two events during this milestone weekend. If you returned to Duke for Reunion Weekend, we hope you enjoyed your time on campus. Here is as recap […]