Stories of Impact

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

"Planned Giving is the gift that keeps on giving," says Tony Dill, Class of 1961. Tony, along with his wife Donna, gifted a life insurance policy to Rockhurst University. They bought the policy when their children were young. Each year, Tony and Donna continued to pay the premium, but as time went on, they realized that they had built up enough equity to make a difference for Rockhurst University. The insurance policy equity, to be collected by RU upon their death, will create a History Chairmanship.

Tony felt that the History Department needs this support to remain strong for years to come. "If we don't know our history, we will repeat some of our problems," he explained.

In 1957, Tony was among the first resident students of Xavier Loyola – XL Residence Hall. He and his classmates took over the floors of this newly built facility and marveled at the central location and convenience of this new dormitory. They felt proud to live on the campus of Rockhurst College, which the University was called until 1999. Tony remembers his time at RU fondly. His favorite subject was History, taught by Fr. Imbs and Fr. Hueger, scholars in World and National History. As Tony recalls, "They made the subject come alive."

Tony also excelled at speech and debate. He and his classmates frequented the Truman Library in Independence, MO. Harry S. Truman, US President from 1945-53, made visits to the library, and as Tony explains, "He was a plain spoken, plain acting, never pompous, regular man. He was easy to talk to and I enjoyed visiting with him." Tony says that is one of the best memories of his RU days.

He and his wife Donna raised their children in Shrewsbury, MO, a short distance from Affton where Tony was raised. His mother and father instilled a love of the Catholic faith along with the motivation to help others. "My parents were continually giving back to the church, schools, and community. It's part of my DNA to give back. I want to help those coming along behind me because they are our future," he said.

The planned gift that the Dills have made will be the catalyst for keeping the History Department at RU strong and thriving. Additionally, the policy will pay enough for the Dills to create a scholarship for an RU student. Indeed, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

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