Commitment to Future Students Inspires Planned Giving

Cindy Moeller ’72, ’82 MBA has designated Northwestern as a beneficiary of her retirement plan

After earning an undergraduate degree at Northwestern, Cindy Moeller ’72, ’82 MBA returned to Evanston to study at the Kellogg School of Management. Her goal was simple: to achieve success in the business world while finding ways to help others. Now retired from a career in human resources, Moeller lends her expertise to the nonprofit sector and has committed to supporting Northwestern through planned giving.

Moeller visited Northwestern often as a child—her father, Donald Moeller ’46 (’72 P), brought the family through Evanston on their annual summer road trip—and chose to pursue her education there, graduating with a degree in sociology.

After spending several years as a school social worker, Moeller pivoted and applied to business school. She was thrilled not only to be accepted to Kellogg, but also to receive a scholarship through the F.C. Austin Scholars Program. The program, which prepares future leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries for careers in business and public service, provided Moeller with unique opportunities and offset her tuition expense.

“Going to Kellogg was the single best decision I have made in my life,” Moeller says. “I was so impressed by the quality of students and professors, and I left well-prepared for the business world. I knew that if I were ever able to give back, I would help more students have this opportunity.”

A Flourishing Career

Moeller went on to a career in human resources, holding leadership positions at several national companies—including General Mills—before transitioning into the nonprofit and education sector. She led the effort to found Minneapolis-based Yinghua Academy, the first Chinese immersion charter public school in the United States, and continues to serve on its board.

As her professional life unfolded, Moeller reflected on the goal she had set when she applied to business school—to use her success to help others. Ultimately, she decided to make planned gifts to two programs at Northwestern that are particularly meaningful to her.

By designating Northwestern as the beneficiary of her retirement account, Moeller plans to create a scholarship fund that will support Kellogg students who have an interest in nonprofit and public education careers. With this type of planned gift, donors can designate all or a portion of their retirement plan assets to pass to the University at the end of their lifetime. The process, which does not require an attorney, allows donors to transfer the full value of the account assets to Northwestern tax-free.

Moeller also included a bequest in her trust to support Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development, a program within the University’s School of Education and Social Policy dedicated to helping academically talented students age 3 to grade 12 realize their potential. Moeller’s gift will provide scholarship support to academically gifted, low-income students from charter schools in the Chicago area who would not otherwise be able to participate in the program.

Moeller is confident that both of her gifts will have a positive impact on future generations. “In the years since I graduated, I have seen that Northwestern keeps getting stronger,” she says. “I feel that my assets are in very good hands and will be used well for many years to come.”

Realize Your Legacy Goals

As you explore ways to leave your mark on the University, Northwestern Gift Planning can help you navigate your options, including beneficiary designations. For further details, email giftplanning@northwestern.edu or call 800-826-6709.