Giving Back Receiving a Greater Return

Dori Reiter ’51 and her husband, Rollin Reiter, have attended several Northwestern football games since Dori graduated from the University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, but one in particular stands out. At that memorable game, the Reiters had found what appeared to be excellent seats near the students and the band, only to realize later that they were standing room only. Dori, a former collegiate athlete and member of Northwestern’s N Club, rose to the challenge, standing and cheering on the Wildcats for the entire game alongside her husband.

Through her involvement in a number of the University’s extracurricular activities and associations, including Gamma Phi Beta, tennis, riflery and The Dolphin Show, Dori created fond memories during her time as a student. Dori notes that athletic participation for female athletes was different before Title IX, which created opportunities for female athletes that were previously limited to men only. Dori says she did not feel left out at the time, but the opportunities given to women athletes today simply did not exist. In fact, about four years ago, Dori received a letter in the mail notifying her that she was being inducted into the prestigious N Club at Northwestern, which excluded women from membership when she was a student.

Dori was honored to receive this letter acknowledging her achievements as a female collegiate athlete, but she clearly didn’t participate solely for the recognition. For Dori, it was about the challenges and the opportunity to create memories doing what she loved. In fact, Dori continued to develop her athletic prowess after graduating, competing in her first triathlon at age 60 and finishing first place in her age group.

Since graduating, Dori has remained engaged with Northwestern by attending reunions and other events. When Dori and Rollin moved to Chicago for a period of time because of Rollin’s career with Dean Foods, Dori served as co-chair of her 40th Reunion committee. For Dori, “I felt it was time to give back to Northwestern since Northwestern had been so good to me.” Calling her classmates and motivating them to support the committee’s fundraising efforts came naturally to Dori, who later enjoyed connecting with those classmates at the reunion, many of whom she did not know well as an undergraduate student.

Over the years, Dori and Rollin have also contributed financial support to the areas within Northwestern that are most important to them. They have shown tremendous dedication and support by giving to The University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Gamma Phi Beta, and several others. Additionally, they have supported Rollin’s alma mater, Norwich University, where he previously served on the Board of Trustees. And eventually, Dori and Rollin began to consider planned giving options as a way to provide ongoing support to Northwestern and create a legacy they could be proud of.

“We felt we had made significant contributions to my husband’s alma mater both in terms of volunteer hours and financial support, so it was time to give to consider making a planned gift to Northwestern,” says Dori. The Reiters were aware that the funds in their bank account were earning very low interest rates. “We thought it would be better to give the money to Northwestern,” Dori explains. To establish their charitable gift annuity, Dori and Rollin transferred appreciated securities to Northwestern, allowing them to avoid paying capital gains tax. Northwestern then began to pay the Reiters annuity payments, which will continue for the remainder of Dori’s life. Furthermore, the Reiters received an income tax deduction in the year they funded the annuity and receive favorable taxation on the annuity payments.

Dori encourages others to consider making a similar gift. “It feels like we are getting more, even though we still made a charitable donation. The check I receive each quarter is a reminder of the wonderful memories that I have of Northwestern.”

To learn more about charitable gift annuities or other planned gifts, please contact Northwestern Gift Planning at 800-826-6709 or giftplanning@northwestern.edu.