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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. Gerald 51 and Vivian Nerud 51 Kahle

Gerald '51 and Vivian Nerud '51 Kahle

"The great contribution we can make is to prepare the oncoming generations to think that they can and will think for themselves."
—Dr. Charles Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic

This concept was foremost in the minds of Gerald '51 and Vivian Nerud '51 Kahle when they purchased a Charitable Gift Annuity in 2006 that will establish an endowed scholarship upon their deaths. Estate gifts have long been a primary source to fund the Doane University endowment and the resulting scholarships.

It's probably safe to say that Jerry was not thinking about endowed scholarships when he first became acquainted with his future wife. Although both grew up in Saline County, they didn't know each other until a chance meeting their freshman year at Doane. At that time, both families lived in north Crete. Vivian was returning home from escorting her sister to her job at the movie theatre, and Jerry was on his way to meet high school buddies at the pool hall before heading up to the Friday night football game.

That October night in 1947 changed their lives. They crossed paths at the railroad tracks and started talking. Jerry never made it to the football game. He ended up walking Vivian home.

They both attended Doane from 1947-1951. Vivian majored in English, earning her teaching certificate in elementary education. She taught in the Columbus Ohio school system while Jerry attended graduate school at Ohio State University.

Jerry was double major in chemistry and mathematics, going on to earn a MS degree in analytical chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Jerry was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company for 29 years. He is an author and co-author of 29 U.S. patents, numerous foreign patents and 11 technical journal papers.

When deciding how to give back to their alma mater, a Charitable Gift Annuity seemed like a perfect match for the Kahles. It allowed them to make a substantial gift — large enough to endow a scholarship at Doane - while ensuring them income for life.

Jerry and Vivian have never forgotten their Crete and Doane University roots, although they have spent time throughout the United States and substantial time in Europe with Phillips Petroleum. Endowing a scholarship allows them to give back to the place that opened doors for them.

Jerry remarked, "Upon reflection of our investments and charities, I have found that a charitable gift annuity to a university is one of the best charities I can think of. If set up as a schlolarship, sometime in the future a student will acquire some needed financial support. Meanwhile, you will receive a very generous income on your gift and a significant tax savings."

A Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple arrangement that has far reaching consequences. We hope you will investigate this possibility to enhance your philanthropic efforts for Doane University.

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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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