Nate Looney, executive director, Estate and Strategic Giving; Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement; Tammy Knowles, assistant director, Estate and Strategic Giving; Tony Hilliard, senior director, Estate and Strategic Giving; and Kevin Trainor, COO, Arkansas Alumni Association.
(submitted)
The U of A Office of Planned Giving has been renamed to the Office of Estate and Strategic Giving, reflecting the evolving nature of philanthropy and the office's expanded role in helping donors create lasting impact.
While its mission remains unchanged, the new name better represents the range of charitable strategies available today. For more than three decades, the office has helped alumni and friends create lasting impact through thoughtful charitable planning.
"The focus of this office has always been supporting those who want to make a difference through philanthropy and helping them maximize their impact," said Nate Looney, executive director of the Office of Estate and Strategic Giving. "Strategic giving brings together generosity and intentionality by considering timing, personal financial goals, family priorities and the role charitable investments can play in advancing the University of Arkansas. Today, there are more opportunities than ever to support the university, and we are here to serve as a resource for individuals and their advisers."
Although many people associate planned giving with bequests and other legacy gifts, these conversations often consider tax implications, wealth planning and long-term outcomes. The name Estate and Strategic Giving better reflects the office's collaborative approach, working with individuals and their professional advisers to explore giving strategies aligned with their philanthropic goals.
"Philanthropy continues to evolve alongside the ways individuals and families think about what they want to accomplish through their giving," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "As those conversations encompass a broader range of considerations, our responsibility is to be a partner—helping connect those goals with opportunities to create impact through the University of Arkansas."
The new name also recognizes the changing ways individuals and families create charitable impact. Many donors today hold assets beyond cash, including appreciated securities, real estate, business interests and other investments. Through thoughtful planning, these assets can provide meaningful support for the university and help donors achieve their financial and charitable objectives.
Strengthening Partnerships Through Collaboration
The expanded vision also includes strengthening relationships with industry professionals who help individuals and families navigate financial, estate and charitable planning.
The office recently hosted its second annual continuing education program for estate planning attorneys, CPAs and financial advisers from across Arkansas. Chancellor Charles Robinson and Vice Chancellor for Advancement Scott Varady welcomed attendees and shared university updates during the program, which was presented in partnership with HootOwl Legal, the Arkansas Bar Association and the Arkansas Society of CPAs.
The event built on the success of last year's inaugural program reflecting the office's commitment to education, collaboration and meaningful philanthropic partnerships. The program featured a panel discussion with interim School of Law Dean Katheleen Guzman, Walton College Senior Associate Dean Gary Peters and Arkansas Alumni Association COO Kevin Trainor, followed by tours of the Fred W. Smith Football Center.
For more information on Estate and Strategic Giving, please visit strategicgiving.uark.edu.
About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.