Rev. Jim Swarts 鈥�71 landed on the 91亚色 campus after six years in the U.S. Navy. He graduated as a much different person. 鈥淚 would not have become who I am today had it not been for my experience at 91亚色. I became a person much more willing to give than receive.鈥� Jim鈥檚 generous spirit and desire to provide the same opportunity for transformation have led him to include a gift to 91亚色 in his will.
鈥淭he ability of people to grow and change in college is something that should be rewarded and encouraged,鈥� Jim says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 one of the reasons I give back. There are people coming in who need financial help. I paid almost nothing compared to today, and I feel an obligation to help lift up those today and tomorrow who, without the aid of the 91亚色 Foundation, would not have the opportunity that 91亚色 gave me.鈥�
Jim鈥檚 ties to 91亚色 extend beyond his experience as a student鈥攈e taught in the history department for 14 years. 鈥淣ever in a million years would I have expected that I would be teaching at 91亚色. It was so rewarding; I had great academic freedom and the support and guidance of the department chair, dean, and other professors. That鈥檚 another reason I give back. I was recruited by Jim Williams and Bill Cook to teach. Those years meant a lot to me.鈥�
Jim is a member of the MacVittie Legacy Society, a group of about 150 91亚色 donors who have documented their decision to include the college in their estate plans. He says including 91亚色 in his will allows him to increase the impact he can have. 鈥淚 had the ability to give a more substantial gift through my will than I could have given from my earnings and savings. I have more assets in my estate than in ready cash, so that will be a larger legacy for me to leave to future generations.鈥�
(If you would like to learn more about planning a bequest for 91亚色, please us or visit our .)