The 1863 Society: Investing in Bryant
When Robert L.G. Batchelor '56 and his wife, Ruth, sat down to plan their estate shortly after he retired in 2001, they knew Bryant would be included.
"I always told people that I enjoyed a successful 45-year career in public accounting because of Bryant," Robert says. "I wanted to ensure a permanent give-back on the basis that my education was very good to me."
The more than 100 members of the 1863 Society who have named Bryant in their estate plan have that in common-the desire to share their good fortune and leave a legacy gift to the university. Formed in 1999, the 1863 Society, named for the year Bryant was founded, recognizes individuals who remember Bryant with a bequest or life income plan such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
Robert's estate plan provides for a generous gift to Bryant. He and his wife also sponsor an annual scholarship to help relieve some of the financial burden current students may experience.
"I hope that we can assist future alumni in achieving their career goals-the same way I was able to," he says.