Dr. James Skaggs

After completing a teaching career spanning 40 years with tenures at Vanderbilt University, The University of Texas and the University of Puerto Rico, Dr. James Skaggs ('61) returned to his roots in south central Kentucky.

Born in Edmonson County and spending summers with his grandparents in Bowling Green, Skaggs could think of no better place to call home after his retirement.

Settling back in Bowling Green, Skaggs was also reminded of what an important role Western has been in the life of his entire family. Both of his parents received their bachelors and master degrees from Western in addition to his sister. Skaggs says, "I have always wanted to give something back to Western and I wanted to find a way to honor my parents. Western has always been a vital part of life for the Skaggs and Parsley (his mother's family) families." Skaggs chose to make a gift that will honor his parent through the creation of the James Richey and Elsie Parsley Skaggs Endowment Fund.

According to Western's Office of Planned Giving, "The Skaggs gift was valuable real estate property adjacent to the campus. So not only will his gift have a significant impact on the academic programs of Western but it also gives the university substantial growth opportunity both now and in the future. The properties donate (on 14th and Center streets) are across the street from the proposed SKYPAC performing arts center location. These six parcels of property valued at $400,000 were placed into a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust that will pay Dr. Skaggs a guaranteed rate of return for the remainder of his life. The remainder value will be placed into the endowment fund named for his parents."

Aside from receiving a valuable charitable income tax deduction Dr. Skaggs will avoid any capital gains tax that would be owed. Skaggs says, "This gift was a win-win situation, I was able to reduce my real estate portfolio, avoid taxes and Western got a gift of income producing property."