Friendships That Never Fade

John Weller

From left: John Weller ’95, Joe Schulte ’54, John Weller ’70 and Sam Weller ’04 at the dedication of SLUH's Joseph Schulte Theater on Sept. 17, 2005.

The Class of '70 is like many classes at SLUH, in that they meet regularly beyond reunions for lunches, happy hours and golf outings. John Weller '70 cherishes these moments and wants to ensure that future Jr. Bills are afforded the same opportunity to not only prepare for college, but to forge lifelong friendships.

"We have a legendary Christmas party at Failoni's bar each year," says Weller. "One of the great things about our class is that I have become friends with guys that I didn't know well in high school. I've gotten to know them at reunions and class gatherings, years after graduation."

An active student at SLUH, Weller played football and was a senior class officer. His presence at school extended well beyond graduation. Since 1974, Weller has served on the Alumni Board and is a past president of the alumni organization that meets quarterly to advance the school's mission. In 2005, he was recognized with the John J. Divine, S.J. Alumni Service Award for his dedicated service to SLUH.

Today, Weller's passion for SLUH inspires him to regularly support the Annual Fund. He always wanted to do more, however, so he designated a portion of the proceeds of a life insurance policy as a gift to his alma mater.

"My wife, Rosemary, and my sons are my top priority, of course," says Weller, whose sons, John and Sam, graduated from SLUH in 1995 and 2004, respectively. "But I was able to carve out a piece for SLUH as well. Leaving a share of my life insurance is a welcome price to pay for a lifetime of great stories and lasting friendships."

Thanks to the generosity of alumni like Weller, future generations of Jr. Bills will benefit from a premier, spiritually grounded education and lifelong relationships with others who share their values. "I formed friendships that have lasted over 40 years," says Weller. "Somehow, the memories, the friendships from SLUH never fade."

Your support ensures that future students are able to benefit from the education and friends formed at SLUH for years to come. Contact Linda Domeyer at ldomeyer@sluh.org or (314) 269-2113 to learn more about the many ways you can invest in SLUH students through your estate.

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.
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