NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/30/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Alumni, parents and friends of Northwestern State University have an easy way to make a long lasting gift to help the university continue to excel.

The NSU Foundation has created The Columns Society to honor and recognize special supporters who make a planned gift to Northwestern. Membership is given to those who make or have made a planned gift of $10,000 or more for future support of NSU.

The charter members of The Columns Society will be honored in ceremonies during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. in the President's Room of the Friedman Student Union.

"The Columns Society is a way to emphasize the importance of planned giving to Northwestern," said Sharon Sampite', assistant director of the NSU Foundation. "It also allows us to thank and recognize alumni and friends who create legacy gifts and lasting memorials."

There are many ways to leave a legacy to Northwestern, according to Sampite'. One way is through a charitable bequest. This can be done easily by including or adding additional wording to your will or trust. Other methods include a charitable remainder trust, a gift of life insurance, a gift of remainder interest in a home or land or a gift through a retirement plan designation. This would include a traditional IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan.

"There are many advantages to planned giving," said Sampite' "There can be significant capital gains, income and tax savings. In addition, the donor can have the satisfaction of knowing they have created a legacy of helping Northwestern prosper."

Planned gifts can be used to create a named endowed or fully endowed scholarship, an endowed professorship or endowed chair. They can also be used to meet the greater needs of the university. A preferred academic college, school or department can also be assisted as well as other areas of the university.

The NSU Foundation will have an estate planning seminar in November to provide more information and answer questions.

For more information about a planned gift or membership in The Columns Society, contact the NSU Foundation at (318) 357-4414 or (888) 799-6486.

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