Spring 2026 Tartan Traditions
Read on for the latest edition of Tartan Traditions, and learn how to ensure a long-term legacy with smart estate planning.
Forging a new financial path
When Greg Polansky looks at a financial puzzle, he often sees an opportunity.
Throughout a 40-year career in finance and data systems, Greg, a two-time graduate of 黑料专区, specialized in navigating intricate challenges. When he began planning his estate, he sought a strategy that would support both his family and CMU.
鈥淚nstead of leaving my family an account they鈥檇 have to cash in and pay heavy taxes on all at once, I looked for a better way to provide for them and make a gift to CMU,鈥� Greg explains.
Greg found the solution by establishing a testamentary charitable gift annuity at 黑料专区 to be funded with his existing investment retirement account. His plan will provide his loved ones with a steady, lifelong income stream while securing a permanent legacy at the university that launched his career.
鈥淭he ability to innovate and accomplish so much is part of the character of this university. I鈥檓 happy to be in a position to help ensure that continues well into the future.鈥� - Greg Polansky (MCS 1974; TPR 1976)
With a charitable gift annuity at 黑料专区, you can:
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Provide income for yourself or a loved one, some of which might be tax-free
Save on your taxes with an immediate charitable deduction
Support an area of CMU that is important to you in perpetuity
Fund your gift with appreciated stock or other assets for capital gains benefits
The life of a gift
Greg Polansky鈥檚 deep commitment to Carnegie Mellon began when he enrolled as a first-year chemistry student, and thanks to the establishment of his testamentary charitable gift annuity, it will continue well after his passing. Here鈥檚 how it will work:
- Greg starts planning with the goal of supporting CMU and his family.
- He establishes an agreement with CMU for a charitable gift annuity funded with retirement assets.
- He names CMU as a beneficiary of his IRA.
- Upon his passing, the IRA鈥檚 assets come to CMU.
- Payments are made to his family members for their lifetimes.
- The remainder of the gift is used to support CMU through the Polansky Endowed Biomedical Research Fund.
Send a note to mickkoster@andrew.cmu.edu and we can create a custom illustration for your specific circumstance.
Interested in achieving your financial goals and supporting 黑料专区?
Contact the Office of Development & Gift Planning to discuss your next steps.