Creating a legacy

These generous donors are the everyday heroes that have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of students through their planned gifts to Lynn University. While their areas of interest may vary, their goals are rooted in commonality: Making a difference for generations to come and inspiring others to do the same.

A legacy for pianists

The gift of a bequest

René Malès' bequest to the Conservatory of Music's Piano Studio struck the perfect note.

"I have a great interest in the development of kids with piano talent," said Malès, a music enthusiast and former utility executive. His planned gift is the capstone of many annual gifts he has made.

Dr. Roberta Rust, head of the Piano Studio, said, "I am deeply honored that he chose to direct his gift to the outstanding pianists in our conservatory."

A legacy for music majors

The gift of an endowed scholarship

Daniel Freed died in 2018, but his generosity lives on. Freed and his wife, Shirlee, founded the Freed Scholarship for music majors in 1999, then added a bequest in 2007.

"They gave faithfully to the annual fund, supported events and created an endowment—then added to the endowment with a planned gift," said Lisa Miller, director of annual programs.

Planned gifts provide for full-tuition scholarships, drawing in the most talented student musicians, academic scholars and athletes.

A legacy for international students

Bequest for Circle of Flags

Boice's idea of displaying more than 100 flags to represent the home countries of Lynn's student body came to pass in 2002, when the flags were installed at the main entrance. In 2016, by naming Lynn in her will, Boice funded an endowment for the ongoing maintenance of the flags.

"Having traveled to 150 countries, I understand the importance of fostering cultural awareness in our youth," she said. "I am honored that the Yvonne S. Boice Circle of Flags will continue to represent that mission for years to come."

A legacy for future musicians

Gift of her IRA

Linda Melcer designated Lynn's Conservatory of Music as a beneficiary of her IRA. As a financial planner, she can list numerous benefits of making a gift of this type, but she can also list the benefits of leaving a legacy to a university that means so much to her personally.

"I worked hard for that IRA," she said. "I would never donate for recognition, but I would really like to encourage other people to make a planned gift. It's a wonderful way to give back. Leaving a legacy gift tells my children and grandchildren what was important to me. And it allows me to say thank you to Lynn."

A legacy for future students

The gift of an insurance policy

Not every 29-year-old has the forethought and generosity of Joseph Pucci '11, a financial services manager in Philadelphia who named Lynn one of the beneficiaries of his life insurance policy several years ago. Pucci is the youngest member of Lynn's Legacy Society, a group that honors donors who have made a planned gift to the school.

As an alumni ambassador and volunteer for Lynn's day of caring, Pucci encourages other young alumni to give back to Lynn, too.

"If you can’t give now," he said, "put something in place for the future."