You may choose to establish an endowment in honor or in memory of a loved one, your favorite relative, a beloved teacher, or leave your own legacy with an endowment in your name.Endowments are permanent funds because only the interest earned on an annual basis is allocated for the purpose you specify. An endowment can be funded with outright gifts over a number of years or through a planned gift or will commitment. The minimum level for an endowment is $25,000.To learn more about establishing an endowment at William Paterson University, contactPamela Ferguson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement973.720.2425 | Fergusonp4@wpunj.edu Endowment Spotlight Inspired by a Philosophy of Gratitude and Giving: William Kennedy and Mary Kennedy, MS '84William and the late Mary Kennedy generously endowed the Mary Kennedy Scholarship for a William Paterson University student studying communication disorders. Mary earned her graduate degree in the same discipline as a nontraditional student at William Paterson. The Kennedys know the importance of philanthropy and helping the next generation of deserving students.Mary stated, “We were motivated to endow a scholarship at William Paterson University because my experience there nearly 40 years ago as a graduate student was so positive. I was reminded of that when called and asked to meet to discuss the possibility of an endowment. Upon reflection, I was reminded that many of the students at William Paterson are first-generation college students and in need of financial support. We were in a position to contribute and wanted to be a part of making a student's ability to complete their education a reality. We remembered that struggle as young students ourselves.”The Kennedys know how important higher education is and the role it can play in bettering the lives of America’s young people. Mary said, “To someone considering a gift to William Paterson, I would say, sometimes we just need a reminder. I would ask them to reflect on their own experiences as a student and remember those students who spent each semester hoping they would have enough money to return for the next one. Remember that education is the way to a better life, and those of us who have been privileged to achieve that have a responsibility to help someone else have that opportunity. Imagine the feeling of knowing you have contributed to a young person's success!”Now Mary Kennedy’s name lives on in perpetuity while providing scholarship support for a deserving student.
