Douglas '68 and Janet '69 Nichols - Inspired by President MacVittie

When Doug Nichols '68 was asked to include SUNY Geneseo in his estate plans, he and his wife Janet '69 jumped at the chance. Their inspiration came from the example set by former Geneseo President Robert MacVittie, who lent his name to the MacVittie Legacy Society, which recognizes donors who have documented estate gifts to Geneseo. Their wills leave a portion of their estate to the school.

"Dr. MacVittie typified what Geneseo is about," Doug says of the personalized education that is a hallmark of the Geneseo experience. "I met him as an undergraduate student while giving tours of the newly opened Irwin Hall. When I returned to Geneseo as the new Assistant Dean of Students, he remembered me. That is what Geneseo is about."

The MacVittie Legacy Society has almost 150 members as of January 2022. Much like President MacVittie, who oversaw the transformation of SUNY Geneseo through the construction of 24 buildings and a tripling of enrollment, gifts documented by MacVittie Legacy Society members will provide the financial foundation for Geneseo's future.

"I met my wife at Geneseo, and made lifelong friends there as a student and as an employee," Doug says. "There's power in numbers. Whatever you can do, the more people who participate in the MacVittie Legacy Society, the better things will be for the next generation of students."

IS A CHARITABLE BEQUEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

We have resources that will help you learn more about bequests. Click here to review sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.

You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.