Paying it Forward
John J. and Suzanne Patry
Growing up in West Haven, I had two sisters, a wonderful stay-at-home mom, and a dad who worked two jobs to provide for us. Money was tight. When it came time for high school, I was encouraged by family members to apply to Notre Dame. But I worried about how we would afford it. My grandfather decided to pay my way. What he made possible meant the world to me, and has motivated me to “pay it forward” through a planned gift to Notre Dame.
Notre Dame is a special place. You don’t really realize what it instills until later in life. They give you a code to live by – the Notre Dame Code, based in the Holy Cross tradition. Pay attention to it, and you can’t go wrong.
I want to do for future students what my grandfather did for me. I recently made Notre Dame the beneficiary of a small death benefit I have through the West Haven Fire Department. Once my grandchildren are finished with their education and on their way, I hope to be able to expand my legacy giving, as Notre Dame is a place close to our hearts. Ten family members are graduates!
In 1993, my wife Sue and I established a scholarship in memory of our son, John Jr., who graduated from Notre Dame in 1990 and died during college at age 21. In the years since, we, our friends, and other family members have contributed to it annually, and have watched it grow. It’s heartwarming to read the letters I get every year from the student who is currently benefiting.
Arranging a planned gift can be part of one’s normal financial planning process. I’ve learned through my involvement with the Legacy Campaign Committee that there are many creative ways to make a meaningful gift. My option – designating Notre Dame as the beneficiary of an insurance policy – is the one that made the most sense at this time.
