Clarke Offers Free Estate Planning Resources for Make-A-Will-Month

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and Clarke University is offering free resources to alumni and friends to assist with their estate planning, thanks to a partnership with FreeWill. 

With the online planning tool, participants walk through a step-by-step process to document their final wishes. From creating plans for your children, pets, and assets, to designating gifts to Clarke and other organizations you care about, FreeWill offers peace of mind in as little as 20 minutes. 

“We’re proud to offer this resource to our alumni and friends. Planning your will can feel like a difficult conversation, yet this tools lays things out in a simple way,” said Clarke University Development Officer Kathy Gable. “As part of your plan, you’ll also have the option to include a gift to Clarke University, ensuring that our students continue to grow, learn, and lead in the spirit of Clarke’s mission and commitment to the BVM Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice.” 

Take advantage of this free resource today at https://www.freewill.com/clarkeuniversity  

Norm and Marabeth Freund’s Story

Norm and Marabeth Freund care deeply about social justice and know that supporting Clarke is also supporting a force for good. That’s why they have established a bequest in their will that will perpetuate their values far into the future.

Married for 50 years, Norm and Marabeth have been involved with, and supporters of, Clarke University for nearly as long. Marabeth earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Clarke and worked in Financial Aid before starting her teaching career. Norm joined the faculty in 1981 as a professor of philosophy, a position he enjoyed for the next 40 years.

“I always hoped to have a career at a Catholic college based in the liberal arts with a focus on teaching,” Norm says. “Clarke was my dream job and career, and I would not have wanted to serve anywhere else on earth!”

By establishing their bequest, Norm and Marabeth will be helping future Clarke students pursue their dreams while fostering Clarke’s core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.

“We hope to further social justice via this scholarship created in the name of Catholic Social Teaching,” the Freunds say. “It allows us to focus on providing our own retirement needs first while carving out a portion of our estate for this important gift.”

Norm and Marabeth urge others to join them in supporting Clarke’s mission through a planned gift. As they explain: “A legacy gift through one’s will is a great way of paying forward what you most value about Clarke University.”

Additional Resources for Your Estate Planning

Estate planning can be an emotional process and does include various options. Clarke has more Planned Giving resources and popular estate planning tools at our website at plannedgiving.clarke.edu.