Skip to Content

A Life-Changing Education

Patrick Gilbert and his spouse Brian outside

Patrick Gilbert (left) and his spouse, Brian, created a bequest gift to support students and faculty.

Alumnus Patrick Gilbert '76 came to Peabody Demonstration School in 1971 as an eighth grader. He and his parents sought a school that matched his personality and educational interests. They did the same for his seven siblings, which is why they graduated from five different Nashville high schools.

In Patrick's family, having a good education was viewed as a key to a successful life. His father was always grateful for his own education and the GI Bill. "Without these," he said, "we would be a totally different family."

Since graduating PDS/USN just over 40 years ago, Patrick recognizes that "this school prepared me for real life better than my college did." He continued, "I served on the PDS/ USN Alumni Board back in the mid-2000s, and during a meeting we discussed the positive attributes of USN. I wrote, 'This school values the individual and teaches him/her to have the ability of critical thinking.'" Patrick holds these ideals and the school in the highest regard.

With education as a lifelong priority, Patrick and his spouse, Brian, say USN was a logical beneficiary choice when they began planning their estate. "Since Brian and I do not have children, we both feel strongly that USN should be the primary beneficiary. We want our bequest gift to accomplish two goals: tuition assistance for students with financial need, and assistance for faculty, perhaps for continuing education, professional development, or a sabbatical."

"Brian and I enjoy helping others," Patrick said. "If we both do our jobs well in nursing and architecture, other people benefit. By bequeathing our residual estate to USN, we can continue to help others for a long time."

To learn more about how you can make an impact on future USN students, please contact Anne Westfall at (615) 277-7495 or awestfall@usn.org. We are happy to discuss options that meet your needs and benefit our academic mission.

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to University School of Nashville 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 University School of Nashville [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 USN 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 USN 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 USN 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 USN where you agree to make a gift to USN 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.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address