A Southwestern University alumni couple who wish to remain anonymous recently pledged a $5 million estate commitment to benefit the University. Along with the gift, the couple also challenged fellow alumni and friends to match another $5 million in estate commitments before the end of Thrive: The Campaign for Southwestern, which is June 30, 2025.

When sharing the details of their gift, the couple said that they were motivated to support Southwestern because they value and understand the importance of education, particularly the type of liberal arts education that students receive at SU.

“The generosity and foresight of these alumni reflect their commitment to Southwestern’s mission and their confidence in the University’s future,” Vice President for University Relations Marie Muhvic said. “It is humbling that these alumni are investing so much back into a place that served them and generations of other students. As we turn the corner on the last stretch of the Thrive campaign, we invite fellow SU alumni and friends to join in this challenge by including Southwestern in their estate planning.”

To make a gift, visit thrive.southwestern.edu.

Those who have already included Southwestern University in their estate plans have the opportunity to participate in this challenge by notifying April Hampton Perez in the Office of University Relations via email at pereza@southwestern.edu or by phone at 512.863.1485. Those who have previously informed Southwestern of their gift intentions can update the University with any changes in the value of the intended gift in response to the challenge.

With this new estate commitment, Thrive: The Campaign for Southwestern has received gifts and pledges totaling $135 million toward the goal of $150 million.

Thrive: The Campaign for Southwestern is a comprehensive campaign that counts gifts and pledges made between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2025. The campaign includes all types of contributions, from immediate cash gifts to deferred or planned gifts from individuals who will be at least 60 years old by June 30, 2025. These deferred or planned gifts can take various forms, such as bequests, beneficiary designations of retirement accounts, donor-advised funds or insurance policies, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts, among others.

The comprehensive initiative aims to raise funds for four key areas: student success, academic excellence, building for tomorrow, and ongoing operational support. By supporting this campaign, donors are investing in the future of SU students and the continued growth and development of the institution.

For more information, visit thrive.southwestern.edu.