George and Anna Backer Heritage Society

In 1924, Anna Backer wanted to remember her husband in a lasting way. George Backer was an 1869 graduate of SLUH (formerly known as St. Louis Academy). In his memory, Anna gifted the school a new facility at its current location on Oakland Avenue.

Today, the Backer Memorial stands as a living tribute and wellspring of generosity. All SLUH alumni have benefited from the Backer Family, particularly through scholarship assistance. The Backers have provided SLUH with needed support for many years; however, the school has long since outgrown the ability of the Backer Fund alone to sustain itself.

Our needs, like those of every leading institution, have grown significantly. SLUH relies on the generosity of its donors to preserve its rich tradition. You can continue this legacy for future generations of students through planned giving.

She grasped the oft-forgotten truth that sound education
means the training of the soul, the building of a character, the
fashioning of a man, the equipping of youth to become worthy
citizens of their earthly country, without ever ceasing to be
faithful members to that eternal City of God; and in this
realization she made her splendid gift of
St. Louis University High School.

From the eulogy of Mrs. Anna Backer,
Given by Fr. William Robison, S.J.


An Invitation to Join the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society
Members of the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society have expressed their commitment to St. Louis University High School through a very special and important form of financial support.

These donors have named SLUH as the ultimate beneficiary of a planned gift. Such gifts might include a bequest and/or charitable income gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder unitrusts, charitable remainder annuity trusts, or gifts of life insurance.

Once you complete your estate plans, please fill out our member profile form to let us know. We would like to thank you for your generosity by including you in the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society.

Membership Benefits
Your membership involves no dues, obligations, or solicitations, but it does allow us to thank you and recognize you for the plans you have made, and it may inspire generosity in others.

Benefits of membership in the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society also include annual luncheons, invitations to special events and seminars and a subscription to our newsletter.

The most important benefit, however, you will receive from joining the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society is the satisfaction derived from making a lasting contribution to our long-term prosperity.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to St. Louis University High School 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

UNRESTRICTED USE AND PURPOSE
"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to St. Louis University High School [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

RESTRICTED USE AND PURPOSE
"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to St. Louis University High School [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for [scholarship name or another specific 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 SLUH 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 SLUH 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 SLUH 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 SLUH where you agree to make a gift to SLUH 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

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