Give to OSU

Making an Impact Now and in the Future

Nila WhitfieldRetiring from Ohio State did not slow Nila Whitfield down one bit. She is incredibly involved in the community and has remained committed to helping children and students achieve their dreams and full potential.

In a career that spanned over 32 years, Nila made a positive impact on the university and the students she encountered. As the first full-time director of the internship and co-op program (The Professional Experience Program) at Fisher College of Business, she helped place students with career building opportunities in a variety of industries. She was actively engaged with the students, visiting organizational meetings and classrooms, and providing career advice and mentorship.

After 20 years at Fisher, Nila transitioned to University Advancement as the Director of Major Gifts for the Midwest region. This new position allowed her to gain broader exposure and knowledge of the university while re-connecting alumni and friends with their areas of interest.

"Working at Ohio State was the gift of a lifetime. It is a diverse place with endless opportunities to develop your skills and meet new people," Nila said. "It also gave me the opportunity to retire early and explore my first passion of working with children."

Nila was a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation and was involved in granting over 32 wishes. She was once named the volunteer of the year for the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana region. She now volunteers with A Kid Again, a national organization that provides activities and outings throughout the year for families of children with life threatening illnesses. Additionally, she tutors local children who need extra attention and help.

Nila WhitfieldWith her background in undergraduate education, Nila understands the need for scholarships and student support. Through current giving, she supports the Honors Cohort Program at Fisher. Students in the program participate in a MBA-like experience where they develop critical life skills. She also supports the Washington Academic Internship Program through the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

Recent graduate, Maggie Salek, '20, is thankful for her time in the Honors Cohort Program. "Through trips to Chicago, Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Brazil, I was able to meet people and experience completely different lifestyles, thus giving me a goal or path to work toward," said Maggie. "Through seminars and guest speakers, I was able to network with mentors willing to guide me toward achieving those goals which directly led to my current full-time job as a Strategy and Operations Business Analyst with Deloitte Consulting. I wouldn't have the same success or mindset to achieve if it weren't for the Honors Cohort Program."

Nila's current giving allows her to witness her gifts in action and the difference she's making in each student's life. "I enjoy interacting with students and meeting the scholarship recipients in the John Glenn program," said Nila. "We stay in touch through the years and become a part of each other's lives."

A gift to Ohio State through Nila's estate allows her to protect a portion of her assets during her lifetime while committing to supporting students long into the future.

"I truly believe that giving back to others is my life's work," says Nila. "I am grateful that Ohio State helped me reach a position where I can make a positive and long-lasting impact on students."

Like Nila, you can make a lasting impact at Ohio State and on our Buckeyes with a gift in your estate plan. Contact the Office of Estate and Gift Planning at giftplan@osu.edu or 614-292-2183 to learn more.

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.
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