'Turning Point' Put Grateful Doctor on New Path

Dr. Michael Borts

When Dr. Michael Borts '75 transferred to St. Louis University High School his junior year, he was given an opportunity that changed the trajectory of his life. After decades of showing gratitude for his SLUH experience, Dr. Borts and his wife, Dr. Mary Jo Gorman, have chosen to sustain their support of SLUH in perpetuity by naming the high school and prepatory school as a beneficiary in their will.

"SLUH was a turning point in my life," says Dr. Borts, an allergist-immunologist in St. Louis. "At another high school, I almost failed my sophomore year, but being presented with the opportunities and resources to learn with a group of Men for Others motivated me to learn and excel as an upperclassman."

Dr. Borts maximized his academic potential at SLUH and was awarded a curators scholarship to the University of Missouri that "allowed me to continue my education, eventually leading me to where I am today, providing care and support for people who put their trust in me."

In addition to excelling academically at SLUH, Dr. Borts played guitar at Mass and learned to ski his senior year during the school's first annual ski trip. His favorite teachers included Tom Becvar, "who was always happy," and Fr. Paul Distler, SJ, "who made learning Latin come alive."

"At SLUH I learned to appreciate everyone for who they are and seeing what each contributes to the whole in his own way," says Dr. Borts, who grew up in the Seven Holy Founders parish in Affton. "It opened my eyes to a world of opportunities I had never before seen."

In appreciation for his formative experience, Dr. Borts began donating to SLUH shortly after he graduated from medical school at Saint Louis University and finished his residency. Today, he and his wife are faithful supporters of the Jr. Bill Fund. In addition, they made a gift to the Go Forth campaign to cover the cost of tuition for one student for five years and also included a provision in their will to further support scholarships.

"SLUH needs to endure so that it can continue to provide education during the formative years of young men for generations to come," says Dr. Borts. "When I am gone, I would like to see the fruits of my labor continue to provide opportunities for young men of diverse backgrounds and means."

Like Dr. Borts, you can use your estate plan to help future SLUH students achieve their dreams. Contact Linda Domeyer at (314) 269-2113 or ldomeyer@sluh.org to learn more about the different ways you can give.

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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