Legacies of Learning: Friendships, Family, and Giving Back

Michael J. Greenberg
Nov 7, 2025
2 min read

Last December, I took my son to the Pop-Tart Bowl (a college football bowl game in Orlando) with a close friend from law school. My son was mesmerized by the giant Pop-Tart on display — and I was struck by a different kind of wonder: watching two old friends, once late-night study partners, now navigating parenthood alongside our careers. It was a vivid reminder that while our lives evolve, the bonds formed in school endure, shaping not only us but the next generation.

I just returned from my Emory Law School reunion this October, and these reflections feel especially timely. Seeing how friendships have grown, how lives have changed from single students to parents, and how traditions continue through our children made me think about legacy — not just the memories we carry, but the ways we can give back. Just as friendships and mentorships ripple across years and generations, so too can our gratitude for the institutions that shaped us.

Alma maters like Emory and Williams continue to provide opportunities for students, and with thoughtful estate planning, alumni can ensure they do so for generations to come.

Honoring Your Alma Mater Through Estate Planning

There are many ways to give back while balancing family and financial goals:

Bequests in a Will: Leave a dollar amount, asset, or percentage of your estate.
Beneficiary Designations: Name your alma mater on retirement accounts or life insurance policies to pass assets directly. By simply completing this form, you can ensure that a portion of your assets go to your alma mater, without the need to revise your will or trusts or incur legal fees.
Scholarships or Fellowships: Establish a named award to support students in fields or backgrounds you care about.
Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs): Provide lifetime income for yourself or a loved one while ultimately benefiting your school. CGAs combine charitable impact with steady income.
Charitable Trusts: Options like charitable remainder or lead trusts can balance lifetime income with philanthropic goals.

Gifts to qualified charities, including universities, can also provide tax advantages. In New York, they may reduce estate taxes for estates exceeding $7.16 million, and at the federal level, for estates above $13.99 million. Donations of appreciated assets, charitable trusts, and CGAs can also offer income tax benefits while maximizing impact.

A Legacy Beyond Dollars

Estate planning is ultimately about more than finances. It’s about values, mentorship, and continuity — preserving the experiences, friendships, and opportunities that have shaped our lives.

If your alma mater has played a meaningful role in your life — whether Emory, Williams, or another school — consider whether your estate plan reflects that gratitude. Thoughtful planning ensures your legacy of connection, mentorship, and support continues for generations to come.

At our firm, we help alumni translate these values into concrete plans that benefit both family and institutions, preserving the experiences and opportunities that shaped you.