Jack Pollock '61 credits St. Louis University High School with changing his life. Compelled by a deep sense of gratitude, he is committed to transforming the lives of future Jr. Billikens through his own generosity.
"The education I received at SLUH was so deep and so wide," says Pollock. "I had to learn another language even though I didn't want to, but I eventually saw the value of it. I still use Latin. I had teachers who encouraged me to get involved in things I would have never done on my own, like speech and debate, the Glee Club and Sodality." His involvement during his time at St. Louis University became even more wide-ranging.
The skills Pollock developed at SLUH helped him in his career as a senior executive at ServiceMaster, a Fortune 500 company that provides residential and commercial services. "My experience in the Debate Club, for instance, helped me in selling, in being a manager...It taught me how to see other people's viewpoint and to value their viewpoint."
Inspired by his own SLUH experience, Pollock is giving back to his alma mater through a charitable remainder unitrust.
"In my mid-50s I had a lot of stock accumulated with the cost basis being really low," he says. "With a charitable remainder unitrust I was able to give a large part of the stock without paying capital gains taxes on it. When you set up a charitable remainder unitrust, you can continue to get the income and, upon both of our deaths, the remainder goes to our chosen charities. My wife, Sue, and I can maintain our standard of living and designate where the remainder goes upon our passing. Fortunately, including the income from the trust, we'll have enough money to live on, and we know a big chunk of our estate will then go to SLUH."
Today the Pollocks enjoy retirement in Bonita Springs, Florida. Reflecting on his experience at SLUH, Jack Pollock says: "There was a climate at the U High where it was expected you would get involved."
Thankfully, future students will benefit from Pollock's continued involvement in SLUH as a 'man for others.'
To learn how you can give back to SLUH through a charitable remainder unitrust, like the Pollocks did, contact Linda Domeyer at (314) 269-2113 or ldomeyer@sluh.org.