Investing in Tomorrow's Gators

Robert Smith (MS '79, PhD '79) and Eileen Blau (MA '77, PhD '80)

Eileen Blau (MA '77, PhD '80) shared almost 40 blissful years with Robert Smith (MS '79, PhD '79), before he died in 2010 of ALS. Both were professors at the University of Puerto Rico, Robert in math and Eileen in English.

"He wasn't passionate in an overt way about education; he was patient … reserved," Eileen says. "I didn't know anyone who didn't like him." Eileen says Robert had a knack for teaching himself and others. "His interest in education came from his own intelligence and desire to learn."

Retiring alone, Eileen moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She needed a tax-wise strategy and chose a charitable gift annuity, which pays a fixed annual income for life.

Named for Robert, her gift provides UF scholarships for first-generation, low-income students.

"It's a legacy I feel good about all the way around," Eileen says. "No regrets or second thoughts. This was an investment that came from our work as professors. Bob would be perfectly happy with it."

How It Works

With a charitable gift annuity, you make a donation using cash, marketable securities or other assets. In exchange for your gift, UF provides fixed payments for life for you or your beneficiary. The part of your gift that remains supports the area of your choice such as students, teaching, research or programs at UF.

Give a Gift That Gives Back

Interested in giving back to UF with a charitable gift annuity? Contact UF's Office of Estate & Gift Planning at giftplanning@uff.ufl.edu, 352-392-5512, toll free at 866-317-4143 or visit our website to learn about this gift option and other ways to make a lasting impact at UF.