Deep Commitment to Northwestern Inspires Giving

Teresa Norton ’67 creates a legacy at Medill through a charitable remainder trust

Teresa Norton ’67 came to Northwestern University from rural Illinois, where she graduated with a high school class of 23 students. The first in her family to attend college, she credits Northwestern with providing the education and support she needed to become successful—both at the University and beyond. Now retired, Teresa is grateful to be able to make an impact on future generations of students through her estate.

Growing up, Teresa relished every opportunity to write or create art in school—designing for plays, dances, and the athletics program, and becoming editor of the newspaper and yearbook. Civic organizations in her own and nearby communities often hired her to write or build sets for their fundraisers. She is quick to point out that these were all small towns, so she was frequently a crew of one and happily learned the value of being a Jill-of-all-trades.

When it was time for college, the only university Teresa was interested in was Northwestern. The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications—or J School, as it was known to Teresa and her peers—was a natural fit for her. Medill allowed her to build a strong foundation in journalism, while also exploring art, architecture, history, and religion.

“I grew from the opportunity to dip my toes in many different waters,” Teresa says.

Teresa also learned valuable life lessons at Medill. She recalls approaching her faculty adviser, Professor Benjamin Baldwin, as she struggled to adjust to the academic expectations of the University during her freshman year.

“I was struck by his kindness and faith in me,” Teresa says. “I left his office believing in myself and looking forward to a fresh start the next quarter.”

After graduation, Teresa was an editor at Crain’s Business Insurance magazine before joining national consulting firm Hewitt Associates. During her tenure there, she won numerous national communication awards for her clients and became a partner. Teresa met her late husband, Thomas H. Paine, at the firm; the two were married for 40 years.

In 1990, Teresa and Tom left the world of consulting behind to found Vineyard 29 Enterprises, a winery in Napa Valley, California. Teresa applied her communications expertise to the successful venture, designing packaging and marketing the wines across the country.

Teresa maintained close bonds with her classmates after graduation, but over time, she began thinking about reconnecting with Northwestern in other ways. She started volunteering with the University and went on to serve on the Northwestern Board of Trustees. She also co-chaired her 40th and 50th Class Reunions, and currently chairs a capital campaign for her sorority, Tri Delta.

“My connection to Northwestern inspires me to bring others back to the University,” she says.

Teresa also has committed to leaving a legacy at Northwestern by creating a charitable remainder trust, a popular planned giving vehicle that provides income to individuals for their lifetime or a term of years. After the term ends, the University receives the funds remaining in the trust. Giving through a charitable remainder trust also entitles donors to a charitable income tax deduction at the time they make their gift.

Teresa’s trust will provide unrestricted support to Medill, with a preference for supporting the master’s program in reporting on religion, spirituality, and ethics.

“A charitable remainder trust is an incredibly effective way to give,” she says. “It allows me to support Northwestern, while enjoying the benefit of a quarterly income check.” Teresa also has committed to supporting Medill’s future through a generous bequest in her will.

“Giving back to Northwestern gives me great joy,” says Teresa, who also gives regularly to the Bienen School of Music, Athletics, Tri Delta, and other University programs. “I know that my support directly affects students in a way that will make the world better for all of us.”

Want to make an impact on the future of student life at Northwestern? Contact Northwestern Gift Planning at 800-826-6709 or giftplanning@northwestern.edu to learn how.