A priceless impact

Fond memories of K-State and the lifelong friends made there, along with a family tradition of giving back, inspired Joni Wisdom Riley to include K-State in her estate plan. Riley received a degree in dietetics from K-State’s College of Human Ecology in 1975. Since then, she has been grateful for the job security and endless opportunities her education has afforded her. She now plans to give back to the program that benefited her own life so greatly.

“When you get to be my age, you look back and see what an education has done for your life. To give back, even in a small way, means a lot to me,” Riley said.

While updating her estate plan, Riley saw the time was right to give back to K-State, and with the help of the KSU Foundation, she named the College of Human Ecology as a beneficiary of one of her retirement funds.

“The foundation guided me through simplified steps and options,” Riley said. “Their professionalism confirmed my decision was right.”

Realizing that it was possible to create a retirement plan, Riley became motivated to support the College of Human Ecology with the hope that her gift would help dietetic students succeed in college and beyond.

“I hope my gift gives somebody the financial security to continue in school and gives confidence to dietary students that their futures are bright,” Riley said. “It is also my hope that I influence students to later do the same as I have and give back to the university.”

Riley believes that seeing the impact of philanthropic giving is priceless.

“Look outside yourself socially and economically to be as generous as possible,” Riley said. “What you get back from giving is absolutely tenfold.”

Use financial and estate planning to invest in your favorite area of K-State and make your mark on the university's Innovation and Inspiration Campaign. Contact the Gift Planning Department at giftoptions@found.ksu.edu or 785-532-6266.