Honoring the Generosity of Others With a gift for the future

Daniel Saraceno, '09

Daniel Saraceno with Secretary of Defense, General Jim Mattis

Daniel Saraceno with Secretary of Defense, General Jim Mattis, USMC (Ret.)

Scholarships can change lives and help Ohio State students achieve their dreams. This was especially true for Daniel Saraceno, ’09, who was able to attend Ohio State through the Stadium Scholarship Program.

“The fact that others were selfless enough to donate to Ohio State made it possible for me to earn a degree in international relations,” said Daniel.

The opportunities Daniel received at Ohio State helped shape his future career path in the national security and intelligence field in Washington, D.C. Daniel spent a semester in the nation’s capital through the Washington Academic Internship Program offered by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He was also matched with an alumni mentor who helped him secure an internship in the Center for a New American Security, a Washington, D.C. based bi-partisan think tank.

While at Ohio State, Daniel made a promise that he would one day give back so that other students can receive the same educational opportunities and experiences that he did.

“My father, a police detective for over 42 years, taught me that I should always stay true to my word and do what I said I would,” he said. “I decided to create a scholarship so that other students with leadership skills, drive and academic ability can have the financial means to achieve an Ohio State education.”

The Jean and Robert Saraceno American Dream Scholarship Fund, named in honor of Daniel’s parents, will provide one scholarship annually to a first-generation college student attending The Ohio State University, whose career ambitions support or promote U.S. national security.

Daniel has always been passionate about protecting the local community and nation. The scholarship will be awarded to students in multiple fields of study who will leverage their area of focus to promote peace and national security.

As a first-generation college student, Daniel’s parents always emphasized the importance of an education and becoming a positive member of society. He made his gift in their honor to show his gratitude for their constant support and inspiration.

“So many times when I was faced with what felt like an insurmountable challenge or obstacle, I’d remember my grandparent’s voyage to America and the hopeful sacrifices and efforts of my parents, all in pursuit of the American Dream to build a better life for their children,” said Daniel.

“I hope my gift honors everything my parents sacrificed for me, along with those that donated to Ohio State and made my college dream a reality,” he said. “I will always be grateful for what others have done for me and hope that I can make a difference in the lives of future students, and enable them to achieve their own American Dream.”

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to The Ohio State University Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to The Ohio State University Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Ohio State or other charities.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Ohio State where you agree to make a gift to Ohio State and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address