Personal Giving Stories

SPECIAL REPORT - WOMEN AND ESTATE PLANNING
Case in Point: Cohen Estate Gift Honors Parents

Nancy Cohen graduated in 1990 with a master's degree in public administration, which was affiliated with LAS and what was then Architecture and Urban Planning. She is grateful for how it prepared her for a successful career and marvels at the growth of the program. "The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) has undergone a tremendous transformation from two floating graduate programs to a full college with a skyrocketing reputation," says Cohen.

Her UIC experience and these developments compel her to give back to her alma mater. As Cohen planned her retirement, she realized she could make gifts now to establish the Abraham and Madeline M. Cohen Fund. The fund commemorates her parents, who were heavily involved in fair housing, civil rights, antiwar and feminist movements in the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Cohen will fully endow the fund during her lifetime and will also leave a portion of her tax-deferred annuity to the fund at her demise. To provide future leaders flexibility, she left the uses of the fund up to the CUPPA dean and the Public Administration department head. The fund will support student scholarships, internships, travel to professional conferences and other needs.

As a student and UIC employee, Cohen observed UIC's diverse and urban population. "Many UIC students are living the immigrant, working-class dream that is getting harder and harder to pursue successfully," Cohen says. "Many alumni working in public service aren't paid much, yet they are finding ways to give back because we see the value in CUPPA and the benefits of giving," she concludes.

The U of I Foundation gift planning staff is pleased to answer your questions and offer assistance at any time. Please contact the Foundation to learn more.