Beaumont city councilman establishes $1M memorial gift, scholarship
Beaumont City Councilman Mike Getz named Íæż½ã½ã as one of six local Southeast Texas organizations to benefit from a $1 million gift through the establishment of a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) in memory of his late wife, Allison Nathan Getz. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Íæż½ã½ã on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 
“Today is about honoring an extraordinary person, my wife, Allison Getz, and it's only appropriate that we find a way to recognize her legacy,” Getz said. “We couldn't think of a better way to do that than to set up this trust. This trust will be endowed with a million dollars, which will be distributed amongst six beneficiary organizations.”
Notably, the CRUT will play a significant role in contributing to Íæż½ã½ã, securing the enduring legacy of Allison and Mike within the Cardinal community.
Allison Nathan Getz, a staunch supporter of Íæż½ã½ã, started contributing in 1994. Her donations benefited Íæż½ã½ã's College of Fine Arts and Communication and Athletics. Her involvement also extended to serving on the Friends of the Arts Board and chairing the Le Grand Bal fundraiser at Íæż½ã½ã in 2013.
At the press conference, Getz also announced the establishment of the Allison and Michael Getz Scholarship for the Fine Arts, a $15,000 scholarship endowment for Íæż½ã½ã undergraduate and graduate students majoring in fine arts.
“Of course, we're grateful that Mike included Íæż½ã½ã, his alma mater, as a beneficiary of his charitable remainder new trust, and for the establishment of this scholarship for the benefit of the students in the College of Fine Arts and Communication,”Íæż½ã½ã Associate Vice President for University Advancement Jeff Spoeri said.
Spoeri also underscored the impact of philanthropic giving through trusts and financial planning, encouraging potential donors to explore opportunities for establishing a legacy at Íæż½ã½ã.
“Philanthropic giving to Íæż½ã½ã through trusts, wills, and other financial planning vehicles is an excellent way to establish a perpetual legacy, provide much-needed charitable support, and perhaps realize some present-day tax benefits as well,” Spoeri said. “Often, donors can maximize their giving and have a far greater impact through their estate than they might otherwise be able to do using current income or assets.”
For more information on how to establish a planned gift at Íæż½ã½ã, visit legacy.lamar.edu.