Those of us in higher education have dedicated our adult life to helping students succeed in pursuing their academic dreams, only to have that come to end when we retire. During our working years, we give of our time and talents to guide, teach, and assist students as they navigate the challenges and rewards of earning a college degree. With documented planned giving, helping students does not need to end at retirement. Instead of dedicating our time, we can devote our resources to provide much-needed financial assistance.
Long-time retired employee, Darlene Goto, did just that. Over the course of years, GCC has received many gifts in honor of Darlene. “I wanted to continue to help students continue their education. I am still a teacher at heart, and I want to support students' efforts at GCC through education. My primary goal is to help students continue school, and providing financial support is now my method, my legacy. I was an instructor at GCC for 37 years and taught thousands of students. If I can help current and future students achieve their goals, this is what I want, and GCC helps me be a part of that. I want my gift to be a part of that.”
If you are currently retired or plan on retiring soon, we ask that you thoughtfully consider a documented planned giving plan. Just like Darlene, and many others just like her have done.
Darlene added, “This giving opportunity made me realize I can contribute something to help students achieve their goals. I did that as a teacher; GCC allowed me to do that in the way I know how, through the Visual Arts, and now with financial support.
Planned giving gives you the opportunity to impact students’ lives beyond retirement. The long-term impact and influence on student success and philanthropy is incalculable. If you would like to continue to support students and GCC with planned gifts, you should know that these gifts are revocable and offer the opportunity for recognition now if individuals will include GCC or the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation in their estate plans
“Every day at Glendale Community College, I see how education changes lives—and I am deeply moved by the donors who make that possible. When someone chooses to leave an estate gift, they are planting seeds of hope that will grow long after they are gone. It’s a profound act of generosity that reflects the same values we at GCC hold dear: a caring and supportive environment, an unwavering focus on the future, and a belief in the power of learning to uplift communities.” Stated Tiffany Hernandez, President of Glendale Community College.
Darlend concluded by saying, “I hope my gift helps GCC continue doing what it does best, supporting students as they achieve their goals in life. After spending years supporting students as a teacher, making this gift allows me to continue helping students in a new way and remain part of their journey toward success.”