Rockhurst University
Stories of Impact
Dedicated Alumnus and Wife Use Their Estate to Create Legacy, Give Scholarships
Bill and Bette Geiger
"Education was always very important to both of my parents," says Elizabeth Duncan, daughter of the late Bill ('47) and Bette Geiger. "They contributed to college funds for all of their grandchildren and also helped others in need of financial assistance for education."
Their desire to help others included future Rockhurst students. Bill and Bette named Rockhurst University as a beneficiary of their retirement plan, and in doing so, created scholarship opportunities to give those without access to higher education a path to undergraduate degrees.
"Dad used to say, —The Jesuits didn't teach you what to think, they taught you how to think,'" Elizabeth says. After his time at Rockhurst, Bill served in the Navy during World War II and later earned his medical degree. After working as a general practitioner in Fairfax, Oklahoma, for 10 years, he enjoyed a long and successful career in anesthesiology at KU Medical Center, Trinity Lutheran Hospital, and Research Medical Center, where he was one of the pioneers in pain management.
"He was very proud of his Rockhurst education. It was undoubtedly valuable for my dad in medical school and beyond," Elizabeth concludes.
Just like the Geigers, anyone can name Rockhurst University as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, bank account, life insurance policy, and more. It only takes a change-of-beneficiary form provided by your financial institution, which can sometimes be completed online. Contact Chris McCoy, Ph.D., Associate Director of Development & Planned Giving, at 816-501-4199 or Chris.McCoy@rockhurst.edu to learn more. This deferred type of giving is a popular way to invest in the future of Rockhurst University without parting with any money today.
If you're interested in learning how you can memorialize a mentor, friend, or family member through a gift in your will, contact Chris McCoy, Ph.D., associate director of planned giving, at 816-501-4199 or Chris.McCoy@rockhurst.edu.