news-category: Advancement National Make-A-Will Month in August Reminds People to Make their Wishes Known By Office of University Communications On July 25, 2025 سԹ Provides FreeWill Resource to Easily Create Legal Will BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—August is national Make-A-Will Month, a reminder to the 70% of adults in the U.S. who do not have a will. Common reasons people give for not writing a will include it’s too costly, and it takes too long. سԹ’s partnership with FreeWill can help with both. Using this resource is easy, takes less than 30 minutes, and is entirely free. All estate plans made using FreeWill are 100% legal and specifically tailored to the individual’s jurisdiction. With FreeWill, many people create their estate plans and choose to leave a gift to a cause they care about. Tami Ruckman, a 1983 سԹ alumna and former GWU advancement officer, made a commitment to give to her alma mater in her will. She wanted to support the place that not only gave her an education, but also enriched her life with lasting friendships. “سԹ’s impact on me and my friends went far beyond education,” Ruckman reflected. “Even after 40+ years, I talk to someone from my class every single day. We experienced something exceedingly rare and wonderful that has lasted a lifetime.” Tami Ruckman Ruckman is also grateful for the generosity of those who made her education possible. “My parents paid for most of my education, but I will always appreciate the strangers who funded scholarships and helped lighten their financial load,” she asserted. “I want other students to have the same opportunities and experiences that my friends and I had.” While 98% of individuals give to charities annually, fewer than 9% include a gift in their will. Yet, this simple act can have a lasting impact, ensuring that future students have access to the same education, values, and opportunities that shaped their lives. “Those of us with average incomes can often make a much larger gift through our will than we ever could with cash,” Ruckman explained. “That’s why I’m leaving a percentage of whatever remains to سԹ, with the intent that it be used for scholarships. It’s the largest gift I’ll ever make, and it didn’t cost me a cent!” Having a will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love. Creating a will prevents family conflict, eliminates confusion, and ensures your assets go to the people you most want to have them. It also gives your family guidance and reassurance that they can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a very difficult time for them. Since FreeWill’s national launch in 2017, more than 1 million people have made their estate plan using FreeWill; more than $10 billion has been contributed to charity through legacy gifts; and one in five FreeWill will-makers has left a gift to charity. Already made your will? Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, or whenever you have a big life event (like getting married, moving states, or having a grandchild). During August, consider taking 15 minutes to look over your will and make sure it’s up to date with your current preferences. Make sure you’ve named beneficiaries of your non-probate assets, like your life insurance policies or retirement accounts. You can name a charity as a beneficiary of these assets as another great way to leave a lasting impact. Learn more about سԹ’s FreeWill resource . سԹ is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., سԹ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at سԹ.edu.
News Article سԹ Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—سԹ has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article سԹ, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in سԹ’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
News Article سԹ Grant Writing Certificate Equips Professionals to Meet Community Needs Participants Gain the Tools to Bring Ideas to Life BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Professionals from across the region recently completed سԹ’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026