Creating a Northwestern Legacy

A gift from the estate of Dessie M. Black ’43

Northwestern made a lasting impression on the late Dessie M. Black ’43, who included a generous unrestricted bequest to the University in her estate plans. Black passed away in 2015 at the age of 95.

During her time as a student at the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Black was an active member of the University community, serving as treasurer of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and a member of the Waa-Mu Show Book Committee. Unfortunately, financial issues did not allow Black to complete her degree.

After leaving school, Black returned to the Detroit area. While working in the bookkeeping department of a commercial bank, she met her late husband, John. Beginning in the 1970s, the Blacks supported a variety of areas within Northwestern, including Weinberg College, scholarships, and the Waa-Mu Show, Northwestern's original musical—written and performed by students.

During a 2007 visit with a Northwestern staff member, Black explained that she supported Waa-Mu because she loved the idea of helping preserve such a special and unique Northwestern event.

Black's generous bequest will continue her legacy of support for the areas about which she was most passionate. Her gift will be used to support scholarships for students in Weinberg College.

“Estate gifts from generous alumni and friends like Dessie Black have helped build Northwestern into one of the best universities in the world. As one who sees firsthand how these gifts are used throughout the University, I can attest that each estate gift impacts the lives of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Provost Daniel Linzer.

During their lives, the Blacks established charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts to support the Kellogg School of Management. These two popular gift arrangements provide donors with a stream of income for life and provide meaningful support to Northwestern after their lifetimes.

If you are interested in providing for Northwestern in your estate plans or establishing a life income gift, please contact Northwestern Gift Planning at giftplanning@northwestern.edu or 800-826-6709. You can also use Northwestern’s sample bequest language to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.