Former football star uses life insurance to instill leadership in the next generation

When Kevin and Cheryl Lockett started the Lock-ett Up Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, they wanted to emphasize youth literacy.

"We thought if kids are behind in their reading level, they will always be playing catch-up and that will always impact them," said Kevin, a former All-American wide receiver at K-State who went on to a career in the National Football League.

Upon reflecting on his K-State experience, the 1996 College of Business Administration graduate realized leadership skills were also critical and made a tremendous impact on his life during and after college.

Through a life insurance policy, the Locketts established the Lock-ett Up Foundation Excellence in Leadership fund to support the rapidly growing Staley School of Leadership Studies. The $250,000 insurance commitment will also eventually benefit the Lockett Family Football Scholarship.

As parents of four, ranging in age from 5 to 21, the Locketts saw the insurance policy as a viable way to balance personal financial priorities with philanthropic desires.

"I hope we will begin to see alumni in the younger age ranges understand that they can make significant gifts through deferred giving," Kevin said. "Giving a quarter million dollar gift is not as expensive as you might think it would be, if you meet with the development staff at the Foundation and talk about the different options. It feels good to support the future of the university because I know previous generations provided support that was of great benefit to me during my time at Kansas State."

How can you help?
To learn how you can balance your financial priorities with philanthropic wishes, please contact your Gift Planning team at 785-775-2000 or giftoptions@ksufoundation.org.