Robert & Virginia Schneider

Robert & Virginia Schneider made a $400,000 commitment to WKU. The Schneiders designated Western as the secondary beneficiary of their 403B retirement plans.

Dr. Schneider served as a faculty member in WKU's Agriculture Department for 19 years, and Mrs. Schneider received her Ed.S degree at WKU and taught for 19 years in the Bowling Green City Schools.

"The money we have designated to Western was accumulated while we were both employed by the state of Kentucky," Dr. Schneider said. "As we looked at various options in our estate planning, we were advised that this portion of our estate might best be used for charity." Dr. Schneider said designating the proceeds from these plans to WKU will greatly reduce the tax that would other wise be charged to his estate.

In honor of their careers, the Schneiders have designated their funds to WKU's College of Education and Agriculture Department.

"I had a good experience at Western," Dr. Schneider said. "I very strongly feel that edication is the upward mobility vehicle for many people. In this particular area, education has not received the priority it should."

According to Hiles, many people are unaware of the benefits of designating WKU as the beneficiary of their retirement plan assets. "As Dr. Schneider outlined, this can often greatly reduce or eliminate the tax that would be placed upon the donor's estate," he said. "We are very grateful that the Schneiders have chosen to make this leadership commitment to Western."