Retired Teacher Creates Legacy Scholarship for Next Generation of Educators

From a young age, legacy donor Ivan Bailen (’78 B.S., ’80 M.Ed.) knew he wanted to be a teacher. As a senior at Atherton High School, he had a chance to visit with elementary students two hours a day, which solidified his choice. Although he had no financial support from his parents and admittedly less than average grades in high school, Ivan attended Jefferson Community College and, ultimately, the University of Louisville.

To ensure he could finish his degree, he lived at home and financed his tuition and books by working at Spalding University, mentoring kindergarten and first-graders in reading. Although he assumed he would become an elementary teacher after graduation, he decided to take advantage of a new initiative in Kentucky that paid for him to pursue a master’s degree in special education.

After a fulfilling career teaching special education at Myers Middle School and a 10-year grant from Vanderbilt University to monitor teacher professional development, Ivan is now enjoying retirement. Recently, close friends and fellow legacy donors Svea Allgeier (’70 B.S., ’73 M.Ed.) and Ron Allgeier (’72 B.A., ’77 M.A.) encouraged Ivan to learn more about estate giving. It wasn’t something he had previously considered, but after researching his options, he decided to add the University of Louisville to his will. Income from his future endowed scholarship will be used to support students in the College of Education and Human Development, with preference given to students pursuing special education, where he dedicated his career.

By creating a scholarship through his will, Ivan hopes his bequest will continue to inspire young men and women to enter teaching. “This scholarship was a clear way for me to directly impact those students’ lives,” says Ivan.

Ivan is a lifelong Louisvillian and proud University of Louisville alumnus. In his retirement, he enjoys playing golf and mahjong; attending UofL football, baseball and swimming matches; and travelling the world (pre-COVID) with a group of retired educators. He also serves on the College of Education and Human Development Advisory Cabinet, where he gladly supports ideas and special initiatives in the Dean’s Office.

If you are unsure about the options that exist for giving through your estate, we can help. Please contact Kathryn J. Sides, M.A., CFRE, CAP® at (502) 852-5051 or plannedgifts@louisville.edu to learn more.