Commitment to Future Leaders Inspires Planned Gift

Before graduating from Northwestern in 1965, University Trustee Debbie Brady ’65 (’01 P) (’20 GP) spent an afternoon walking around the Evanston campus and visiting buildings she had never entered before. “Although I certainly had many wonderful experiences at Northwestern, I was struck by how much more I still had to learn and discover at the University,” she says. “I knew this was only the beginning of my Northwestern journey.”

After graduating with a degree in English from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Brady went on to pursue a career as an educational diagnostician. She worked with students in a variety of settings, from community college to a children’s library. She married her late husband, Larry Brady (’01 P) (’20 GP), in 1965, and they later had two children. Over the years, Brady stayed deeply connected to the University as a parent (Jason Brady ’01 MBA), grandparent (Fiona Brady ’20), volunteer, and donor.

The Journey Continues

In 2006, Debbie and Larry Brady established the Brady Scholars Program in Ethics and Civic Life at Weinberg College to help make a difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders. As Brady Scholars, undergraduates have the opportunity to engage with graduate students and faculty, and examine ethics and values across a wide range of disciplines. “The program focuses on values-based living, which is more important than ever right now,” Brady says.

The couple provided most of the initial funding for the Brady Scholars Program through the early termination of a charitable remainder trust they had established at Northwestern several years earlier. The early termination made cash available to fund their gift. The Bradys continued their generous support of the program and later created a second charitable remainder trust that will enhance the program at the end of their lifetimes.

A charitable remainder trust is 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 remaining funds. Giving through a charitable remainder trust also entitles donors to a charitable income tax deduction at the time they make their gift.

Brady appreciates the income benefits that her charitable remainder trust offers. “As I age, the trust provides me with an underlying sense of security,” she says. “The payments are also a tangible reminder of my connection to the Northwestern community.”

Ongoing Connections

In addition to her generous financial support of the University, Brady has served on the Northwestern Board of Trustees since 2005 and held roles on the academic affairs, student life, and innovation and entrepreneurship committees. She also is a member of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors, Weinberg Campaign Committee, “We Will” Florida Regional Campaign Committee, and Northwestern University Women’s Board.

Brady, who resides in Florida, still enjoys visiting the Evanston campus and engaging with students—including Brady Scholars. “When I have a chance to listen in on their small group discussions, I am rejuvenated and encouraged by their energy and direction,” Brady says. “With so much negativity surrounding universities today, I am grateful for this contrary view.”

Open Doors of Opportunity

You can support the next generation of diverse leaders with a gift in your estate plan. Contact Northwestern Gift Planning at 800-826-6709 or giftplanning@northwestern.edu to learn more.