Why I Give: Mitch Koppelman BS '73

Why I Give: Mitch Koppelman BS '73

Mitch Koppelman BS '73 understands the impact of giving back to the institutions that shape our careers and lives. “My career in photojournalism was launched while I was a student at RIT, which led me on a path through multiple jobs with several employers all in my chosen profession,” Mitch explains.

Mitch is passionate about the importance of scholarships for students with financial need. “I know what it’s like to put children through college. If we can help those who don’t have the resources but have the skills, the drive, and the desire to come to RIT, they could become leaders in their chosen profession by virtue of their experience at RIT.”

Through his donor-advised fund and legacy gift aimed at the photojournalism program, Mitch says, “It is my hope that the money from my estate will help perpetuate the school’s photojournalism program well into the future, giving students the same opportunities I enjoyed while at RIT.”

Start Your Estate Plan Request Free Wills Guide Start Your Legacy

Legacy Planning

Thoughtful planning is essential to ensure that your wishes are effectively communicated and your legacy is preserved for future generations. By engaging in this proactive process, you can provide financial security for your loved ones, minimize potential conflicts, and potentially reduce the tax burden on your estate.

Additionally, legacy planning allows you to support charitable causes and create a lasting impact that reflects your personal beliefs and priorities. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind, knowing that your life's work and aspirations will be honored and sustained according to your intentions.

The most popular and flexible way you can support organizations you care about the most is through a bequest intention, a gift commitment made through your will or trust. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to family, friends or RIT as part of your estate plan.

By including a bequest intention in your estate plan, you have the power to shape the future of RIT for our students. Your support ensures that future generations of students will have access to a transformative RIT educational experience.

National Make a Will Month

August is National Make-A-Will Month. Take the next step by requesting our free guide, Planning Your Legacy. This guide will help you achieve peace of mind as you consider how you want your assets distributed. Protect the people you care about and support your favorite organizations. With this helpful organizer, the process becomes easier, less expensive, and provides comfort to you and your loved ones, knowing your wishes will be carried out.

Creating your legacy is easy, but it does require time and careful consideration. You may also benefit from the guidance of a trusted financial professional such as a lawyer, financial planner, or accountant.

Ready to begin? Request your free Planning Your Legacy guide or contact us for additional information on how you can make a meaningful gift through your will or trust.

Hallett Burrall
Executive Director for Planned Giving
585-475-3106
Tamra Werner
Director of Advancement
585-475-5979