How do you thank the place that changed your life?

For alumni Jim and Wendy Core, that place is the Elliott School of International Affairs. The school helped launch their careers, introduced them to lifelong friends, and connected them to their future spouses—each other.

So when they thought about ways to support the school, the decision to make a planned gift was easy.

"We have a lot of loyalty to the Elliott School," says Wendy, ESIA '94. "We wanted to do something special because we really care about the school. A planned gift is an easy way to make a difference."

A gift in your will is a simple, flexible, and affordable way to support GW. One or two sentences in a donor's will or living trust can leave George Washington University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events, or a percentage of one's estate. Such a gift also reduces the donor's estate and any estate taxes he or she may owe.

The Cores were struck by the simplicity of arranging for the bequest—a meeting with their lawyer was all it took to set up their living trust, which will go toward need-based graduate student fellowships at the Elliott School.

"We wanted to give the school the flexibility to use money for what they need related to graduate students," says Jim, ESIA '96. "We also wanted to support students who may need a lift and provide them with the opportunity to have a really great education in international affairs, serve the world, and just maybe be lucky enough to meet a wonderful spouse like I did!"

The Cores have supported the Elliott School and GW for years, both through philanthropy as Luther Rice Society members and through service as alumni volunteers. Jim served as GW Alumni Association President from 2011-13; the planned gift at the end of his term was a leadership moment for him and his wife.

"We wanted to make a statement that you can be a public servant and still leave a legacy that will have an impact on students and on the academic fabric of the university," Jim said.

The Cores are passionate about helping other Colonials succeed; a planned gift was their way to show appreciation toward the Elliott School and GW in a lasting, long-term way.

"We wanted to make it easy for deserving graduate students to study at the Elliott School," says Jim. "A planned gift was an opportunity to leave a legacy that will continue on for generations."

Have a Question?
For additional information or assistance on how to leave a lasting legacy like the Cores, please contact Dean Regenovich, JD, LLM at (202) 748-4532 or dean.regenovich@gwu.edu.