As former scholarship recipients, Heather (Huber) and Maurice Cogdell know firsthand how much of a difference financial aid can make in a student’s life. To supplement their annual giving, they recently began working with the MIT Office of Gift Planning, and designated MIT as the beneficiary of their IRA.

Good for the future, today. “We want to help as many students as possible through scholarships but also want to be aware of our future financial obligations,” explains Heather, who is an avid MIT volunteer. A planned gift not only frees up the Cogdells’ finances in the present but makes sense when considering future taxes. “A planned gift allows us to maintain control of assets in case a family emergency arises, while ensuring that after we no longer need the assets, MIT students can benefit from a larger donation,” says Maurice.

The power of scholarships. In the future, the IRA will support an MIT scholarship the Cogdells established in honor of Heather’s mother. “We believe strongly in MIT’s culture and effort to make a better world,” says Heather, “and that requires giving admitted students the option to attend MIT free from undue financial burden.”

A “stress-free” way to give back. “I strongly encourage others to talk with the MIT Office of Gift Planning and learn about the easy and stress-free giving options that are available,” Heather says. “Our lives have been enriched by MIT, and we feel it is our responsibility to give back and help others to be able to share in that blessing.”

Help MIT build a better world. 
For more information, contact Amy Goldman: 617.715.2932; goldmana@mit.edu.
Or visit giving.mit.edu.