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The scholarships really changed my life and gave me the opportunity to come to Doane. -Dustin Axline '19, Exeter, Nebraska

  1. Planned Giving
  2. Why I Give
  3. A Year Can Change a Life

A Year Can Change a Life; a Life Can Make a Difference

Dale SloanFirst and foremost, he answered during our country's time of need in World War II, training to be a naval officer at Doane University.

Dale answered the call to service again—albeit in a very different, but still very selfless and generous form—before his passing by graciously giving back to his alma mater.

He only attended Doane University briefly, but it is clear he never forgot his time here.

Dale first arrived at Doane during the war to participate in the US Navy V-5 and V-12 program, wartime training for Navy and Marine Corps officers.

After one year, Dale transferred to Harvard Business School for an additional year under Navy sponsorship. He then returned to Doane to finish his undergraduate degree and was a graduate in the class of 1946. Dale stayed in the Navy as a commissioned officer and retired in 1970 after giving 28 years of service to our country.

Fast forward 23 years, and Dale found himself back at Doane, reliving old memories. On July 9, 1993, Doane held the 50th anniversary reunion of the US Navy V-5 and V-12 program on the campus of Doane University. The success of the reunion was, to a large degree, because of Dale's efforts in finding contact information for the 787 men from Doane's program.

The reunion sparked many relationships and memories, but there was another very momentous consequence.

Dale and fellow attendees of the reunion formed a scholarship committee and launched the USS Doane Scholarship. It has grown to almost a quarter of a million dollars, and Dale played his part as a steady and generous donor to Doane and the scholarship.

In his words, the school was easy to give to. He had an affinity for it as a student and still did as an alumnus.

"It (Doane University) was a great school then, it's even a greater school now!" Dale said. "A small-college environment, a small student body and a dedicated faculty are a hard combination to beat. I'd recommend it any time!"

Dale died Dec. 3, 2013. In his will he made provisions for significant gifts to go to Doane and the USS Doane scholarship. His estate gift will double the size of the scholarship fund.

"As we celebrated the recent Fourth of July holiday, I thought of Dale, his service to our nation and his generosity to a place where he spent a year of his life," says Dan Meyer, Doane's director of planned giving. "He will be laid to rest July 15 at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Thank you, Dale!"

Dale's one year at Doane kindled a love for the school that changed his life. In turn, his gifts to both Doane University and the USS Doane Scholarship have and will continue to change the lives of many young people.

Learn How You Can Help

To discuss how your gift to Doane in your estate plan can also make a difference, contact Thom Reeves at 402.826.8284 or thomas.reeves@doane.edu. We would be happy to help you find the gift that's right for you, at no obligation.

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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.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Doane University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I give _____ percent (%) of the residue of my estate [or ____________ and no/100 Dollars ($ _____)] to Doane College, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation for its unrestricted use and purpose (or choose from one of the following). Choose from the following: 1. This gift shall be used for the benefit of ___________________. (e.g. a specific program area at one of Doane College's campuses.) 2. This gift shall be used for the creation of an endowed scholarship. 

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Doane University or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Doane University as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Doane University as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Doane University where you agree to make a gift to Doane University and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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