Northwestern’s Mission Inspires Van Berkums’ Generosity
My wife, Linda, and I support Northwestern College because she has remained true to her mission. Since my time as a student in the early 1960s, I have seen marked improvement in the college’s commitment to being intentionally Christian. By integrating faith into the curriculum and striving for excellence in academics and extracurriculars, Northwestern has repeatedly shown its values and beliefs.
Once I could take the required minimum distribution (RMD) from our tax-sheltered funds, I contributed that amount to Northwestern. An account manager of our funds directed a check to the college, alleviating any issues with the IRS. We have in our will that upon our deaths, the remainder of these funds will be distributed to the charities we have designated.
In reflecting on Northwestern’s impact on my life, however, I have elected to distribute some of our tax-sheltered funds while we are still living—over and above the RMD. By giving monies, I hope to provide—even in a small way—facilities that keep the college up to date and allow students to step into the world to make a difference.
Kindest regards,
Doug ’62 and Linda Van Berkum
You Can Make a Difference
If your experience at Northwestern enriched your life like it did Doug’s—or the life of someone you love—you, too, can help shape the Northwestern experience for the students of today and tomorrow. Please contact Corky Koerselman at 712-707-7105 or corky.koerselman@nwciowa.edu to learn more.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.