Additionally, Ron was motivated by the late Professor Iva Homberger, who set up an endowment in the 1950s in his department. “I have seen this endowment actively supporting our current students and feel that now is my chance to do the same for the next generation of young scientists” says Ron, who hopes others will be inspired to make similar gifts to support student education, research and diversity.
Inspired By Those Before Them, Researchers Make Future Gift
Maureen and Ron have set up a deferred charitable gift annuity for Maureen, enabling her to receive secure fixed income and support future scientists.
Early in their undergraduate studies, Ron and Maureen knew they would spend their lifetimes in the science lab. Exposure to courses such as biochemistry and neuroscience had both hooked and led them to a lifelong devotion to careers as faculty researchers in biochemistry and ophthalmology.
The two met at a squash tournament in Madison, Wisconsin, where they were both post-docs. “Ron was doing outstanding research on molecular manipulation with Dr. Oliver Smithies, and after we met, I kept pulling him back into my research in retinal function and disease,” Maureen says.
Together, their independent yet parallel lines of study ultimately brought them to the University of Louisville, where they have been since 1997. Ron serves as Professor and Department Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Maureen is an Endowed Chair Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
In 2020, the couple was inspired to make a philanthropic investment in their work. “We have been very fortunate in our careers and wanted to return something to UofL,” Ron says, who also points to the importance of endowed funds “indefinitely supporting young students and faculty.”
Taking advantage of the beneficial tax deduction received in the year one creates a charitable gift annuity—a welcome offset to the higher tax bracket of their pre-retirement years—Ron and Maureen set up a five-year deferred charitable gift annuity for Maureen.
Once payments begin in 2026, she will receive secure, fixed income stream for the duration of her life, with any remainder going to support the departments where Maureen and Ron work, and the newly created Endowed Excellence Fund for Diversity in the School of Medicine.
Their decision to create a charitable gift annuity was a choice inspired by UofL alumnus Dr. Geneva Matlock, who is also giving to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences through the same method.
To learn more about life income gifts, download our free guide or contact Kathryn J. Sides, M.A., CFRE, CAP® at (502) 852-5051 or plannedgifts@louisville.edu.