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What is an endowed gift?
An endowment is often described as a gift that keeps on giving. Endowments are kept separate from the operational funds of the University and the Michigan Tech Fund. They are invested for long-term stability and growth because our policies prohibit us from spending the principal. Only the earnings, or a portion of the earnings, are used each year to support the endowment's specified purpose. An endowment can be funded through current gifts, an estate gift, or a combination of the two. An endowment can provide resources—in your name or the name of a loved one—to the program of your choice for generations to come. See Leverage Your Gift.
Isn’t estate planning for retirees?
Estate planning is recommended for the young as well as retirees. When it comes right down to it, no one dies without a will. If we die without a will, state laws determine the disposition of our estates, which may be a far cry from what you personally want for those individuals and charitable organizations closest to you. Most importantly, if you have dependent children, you do not want the state determining who will care for them. Also, wise gift planning can help ensure that more of your assets are available to meet your objectives. For example, if you need a tax deduction now and want to supplement your retirement income for the future, a deferred charitable gift annuity can be an effective method to accomplish these dual objectives.
What is the Annual Fund?
The Michigan Tech Annual Fund is dedicated to securing crucial, unrestricted contributions that benefit today’s Tech students. Annual Fund support may be directed to an academic department (each department has its own unrestricted account), or it may be directed to the University-wide unrestricted account.
Does my small donation matter?
Large or small, every gift matters. Five or ten dollars multiplied can make an impact. And, matching gifts can double your gift amount. Your participation also matters to us because it demonstrates your belief in the people we educate and the education we offer.
Will my company match my gift?
Hundreds of companies will match their employees’ gifts to higher education institutions. This match can double, and sometimes even triple, the benefit to Michigan Tech. Find out if your company will match your contributions by asking your human resources department or trying our matching gift search. You can also list your matching gift company on the online giving form. Matching gifts are an important source of funds for Michigan Tech.
Fundraising has become a particular challenge due to economic conditions, but philanthropic support for Michigan Technological University continues to be strong, the Michigan Tech Board . . . [read more]
The generosity of a longtime supporter of Michigan Technological University is bringing varsity women’s soccer to Michigan Tech. Pat Nelson of Kingsford gave the University . . . [read more]
Michigan Tech alumnus Erick Dyke (’91) is remembered as a student who studied everything but his studies for a while. Then he met his future . . . [read more]
Warren, Ohio
Hancock, Michigan
Attract Top Scholars and Researchers
John and Cathi Drake pledged $1 million through their estate to endow the John and Cathi Drake Endowed Professorship in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, they are using retirement income to fund the professorship during their lifetimes.
Mr. Drake received what he calls "a tremendous education at Michigan Tech, both in mechanical engineering and in business administration." He earned a BS in Mechanical . . .
Weston, Connecticut
Upgrade Tech’s Athletic Facilities
John and Ruanne Opie donated $1 million for the construction of ten new suites in Michigan Tech's John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The new suites, all on the west end of the rink, can accommodate eight to 14 people each and three skyboxes for larger groups. Tech hockey coach Jamie Russell is grateful for Ruanne and John Opie’s great generosity, which he said will help his team with recruiting.
Mr. Opie graduated from Tech . . .
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Attract and Retain the Best Faculty
Richard and Elizabeth Henes donated $1 million to endow the Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professorship in Mathematical Sciences at Michigan Tech. The couple had previously endowed a chair in mechanical engineering.
Mr. Henes earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tech in 1948. After moving to Arizona, he founded Henes Manufacturing Company, Henes Products, and Henes Stamping . . .
Benefit Rozsa Center and University Library
Several years ago, Eileen Niva included a provision in her estate plans to benefit the University library, where she previously worked, and the Rozsa Center for Performing Arts.
Her wise estate planning has allowed an empty space at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts to come alive. The Rozsa Center has a new art gallery as a result of the gift funds of more than $53,000 received from her estate . . .
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
Bridge Three Disciplines with Endowed Position
William and Gloria Jackson donated $1 million to establish the William and Gloria Jackson Endowed Professorship and also gave an additional $100,000 to jump-start the recruitment and hiring of an exceptional faculty member to fill the post. The Jacksons set up the endowed professorship to support an exceptional scholar and teacher whose expertise and activity bridge the disciplines of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and business entrepreneurship.
Seattle, Washington
Advance Sustainability through Endowed Chairs
Richard and Bonnie Robbins created the Robbins Chairs of Sustainability, which include a Chair in Sustainable Manufacturing and Design, a Chair in Sustainable Use of Materials, and a Chair in Sustainable Management of the Environment.
A total of $6 million has been committed through their charitable remainder trust that will ultimately come to Michigan Tech to fund the primary endowment for the chairs. In the interim . . .
Practice Catalyst Philanthropy
Robert and Ruth Nara donated $50,000 for expansion of the Michigan Tech Trails. The University purchased land adjoining the Nara Nature Park in 2006, with a long-range plan for a connected network of ski and bike trails. That’s when the Naras, local philanthropists and longtime friends of Michigan Tech, stepped in and provided the funds to connect Tech’s trails to the City of Houghton’s Nara Nature Park trails.
The Naras practice what they call “catalyst philanthropy.” Mr. Nara . . .
Saratoga, California
Lead Tech’s Strategic Initiatives
David House made a $10-million pledge to Michigan Tech’s national campaign. With most of the contribution to come during his lifetime, including two endowed professorships established recently, it is the largest outright gift ever received by Michigan Tech.
Mr. House is the volunteer chair of the University's national fundraising campaign. His giving will support Michigan Tech’s strategic objective of becoming a world-class public . . .
Enhance the Student Tech Experience
Rebecca M. C. Sandretto, through her estate, provided gift funds of just over $280,000 to benefit a wide range of student programs at Michigan Tech.
"We are very grateful for Mrs. Sandretto's foresight in providing for this generous gift," said Eric Halonen, director of major gifts and gift planning. "The thoughtful allocation of these gift funds by her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Steve Stackhouse, will help us deliver a first-rate education to a great number of students."
The Keweenaw Research Center started in 1954 as the Snow, Ice, and Permafrost Research Establishment.
KRC honed its heritage delivering quality cold regions engineering for our military and industrial sponsors.
You can help the KRC continue to do great research and educate great engineers.
Arriving for the 1956-57 season, John J. MacInnes built the hockey program into a national contender.
The Student Ice Arena opened January 14, 1972. It was constructed primarily without state funds.
Today, the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena renovations include new suites and plans for a video scoreboard.
Lake sturgeon, the ancient freshwater fish, could benefit from the new labs in the Great Lakes Research Center.
Lake Superior is Michigan Tech's backyard, with opportunity for those interested in fresh water research.
The waterfront master plan includes the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech.
