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An Alumna's Love for Bryant Runs Deep

Lucille Killiany with scholarship students

Lucille Killiany '46 enjoys a laugh with one of her scholarship students during an event in September 2014.

The love Lucille Gotsell Killiany '46 had for Bryant extended well past her time as a student in the early 1940s when she was studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree, until her death in October 2021 while living in Thomaston in western Connecticut. "Everyone in Thomaston knew Lucille and knew she graduated from Bryant," said Susan Detri-Souve P'22, a member of the Bryant University Advancement staff. "When she heard that students from her town applied to Bryant, she would let me know. If they were accepted, she would let me know. If they chose not to attend Bryant, she took it personally. Her love for Bryant — and education — ran very deep."

"Lucille lived modestly, but she was an astute investor," said Susan. "Sometimes when I would visit her in Thomaston, she would ask me to take her on errands, including a visit to the bank to check on the latest rates. She wanted her money to earn as much as it could." Lucille and her late husband, Stephen, lived in the same house Lucille grew up in as an only child, and they owned other modest properties in town that they rented to neighbors. They and her parents were active members of the Thomaston Opera House community, where she served on its board of trustees and she was a supporter of the Thomaston Public Library.

"Bryant, the First Congregational Church and the Thomaston Public Library were all beneficiaries of Lucille's estate," said Susan, highlighting that many loyal supporters of organizations include those most important to them, such as Bryant University, in their estate plans, creating financial support that will benefit future generations. Lucille's love for Bryant and education will extend well into the future with her generous gift to the Lucille E. Gotsell Endowed Scholarship Fund, which she established in 1990 to benefit students in good academic standing with financial need.

Lucille Gotsell Killiany and Susan Detri-Souve

Lucille Killiany '46 and Susan Detri-Souve P'22

Lucille made annual gifts to Bryant for close to 40 years and she was a charter member of the President's Leadership Council, now known as the Bryant Leadership Council, whose members make a gift of $1,000 or more every year. She was also a member of The Bryant University 1863 Society, which recognizes individuals who name Bryant in their will or trust, or through a life income plan. In addition to her generous financial support, Lucille chaired reunions, was a member of the National Alumni Council and served on various school committees.

In 1996 Lucille received the Nelson Gulski Award, which recognizes an alumnus or alumna with a record of exemplary and longstanding volunteer service to the University or the Alumni Association. In 2010 she received the Key to the College, becoming only the second person in Bryant's history to earn the honor. "One of Lucille's favorite activities when she visited campus was to meet her scholarship recipients," said Susan. In her later years when she was unable to travel, Lucille would devour any news from campus. "She loved hearing from Bryant. She kept up with everything."

Giving was in Lucille's spirit and she exhibited that spirit in ways small and large. "The last gift Lucille made to Bryant was in memory of her dear friend, Marie Renza '42," said Susan. Susan reflected that throughout the time she spent with Lucille, she was struck with how much energy Lucille exhibited in her life and in her actions on behalf of Bryant. "Lucille loved Bryant from the time she was a student," said Susan. "Her love and generosity toward Bryant will live on for the many students who will benefit from her gift of scholarships. By including Bryant in her will, Lucille created an enduring legacy of opportunity for future generations of Bryant students."

Contact Bob Ferrell at 401-232-6171 or rferrell@bryant.edu to learn more about how you can create a legacy at Bryant University with your estate plan.

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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 Bryant 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

 Bequest Language

"I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Bryant University [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

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 Bryant 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 Bryant 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 Bryant 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 Bryant University where you agree to make a gift to Bryant 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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