1963 Alumna Leaves Brevard College $250,000 Gift

Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, NC)

Brevard College recently announced an unrestricted gift from Mary Nolan, a graduate of 1963 who left a bequest of $250,000 to the college in her will.

Nolan was active as a student, and involved with the Mountaineers Club, the Euterpean Club for students who loved literature, and the Baptist Student Union. After obtaining her four-year degree, she worked as a chemist for BASF and traveled the world. Despite settling in New York, she never lost track of her alma mater and appreciation for the education she had received there.

David Joyce, president of Brevard College, expressed gratitude that Nolan had wanted to remember the college in her estate plans. "Her generosity will create a permanent legacy through the successful graduation of scores of students who will go on to make a difference in the world, as did she. Mary Nolan truly did embody the Brevard College motto, Learn in Order to Serve."

The college recently relaunched its planned giving program and has established a partnership with the philanthropic and charitable services division of First Citizens to administer planned and estate gifts. As part of its services, there will be a free workshop on financial planning on Saturday, October 5, at 1:30pm. "Building a Legacy, Transforming the Future" will provide participants with valuable advice on how to provide for themselves during their lifetimes yet still leave something for their favorite charitable organizations.

"Planned gifts, as simple as a bequest in a will or as complex as annuities, trusts or real estate, are a critical part of funding the scholarship program and student experience at Brevard College," said Jeff Joyce, Director of Development. "Gifts such as Mary Nolan's honor her life and legacy while allowing the next generation of alumni to navigate successfully through college to graduation and careers less burdened by student debt."

For information on attending the financial planning seminar or making a current or estate gift to Brevard College, please call 828-884-8202.