Making special memories possible with a 'win-win' gift

Camping out for basketball tickets, going on 1 a.m. doughnut runs to Vern's and concerts at Ahearn are just a few of the fond memories Dave and Lisa Rock have of their time at K-State. The Rocks have established a scholarship in hopes that it will help students make their own special memories at K-State.

Through a gift in their will and a charitable gift annuity, the couple created the David and Lisa Rock Agriculture Scholarship for undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture. The charitable gift annuity is a mutually-beneficial gift, providing the Rocks with an income tax deduction and a guaranteed lifetime income stream while ensuring an eventual donation to benefit their scholarship.

"I worked in financial aid as a student employee and saw firsthand the benefits scholarships provide students," Lisa said.

Ready to make a difference they could see now, the Rocks have also given cash so the scholarship could begin immediately. With the matching gift benefit through David's employer, John Deere & Company, they were able to significantly increase total contributions to their scholarship.

"Our hope is that the receiving students will have reduced financial need and stress and an increased ability to focus on studies and education," Dave said. "Scholarships and grants were a significant enabler for us to obtain a college education. This is one way we can give back and help students by sharing a bit of the benefits we have received from an education at K-State."

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@ksufoundation.org or 785-775-2000.