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Gift Planning

Feeling Close to Haverford

Bob Kriel '59 and Linda Krach

Bob Kriel

Deeply interested in environmental issues, Bob Kriel '59 volunteers at the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. Photo by Kristin McCarthy.

Bob Kriel, a first-generation college student, arrived at Haverford with the goal of becoming a physician although he had, in his words, "no understanding of what being a physician really meant." The son of a butcher from Baltimore, he imagined that being a physician would be the "end all." His experiences at Haverford set a trajectory for professional success and lifelong learning. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Haverford, Bob earned a degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and became a pediatric neurologist. Somewhat to his surprise, he went into academic medicine and was appointed professor in neurology, pediatrics, and pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. He continues to conduct research and has authored more than 100 publications.

Among Bob's collaborators is his wife, Linda Krach, a physician-researcher specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Linda was also a first-generation student at Wilson College, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and now serves on its board of trustees. Bob's years at Haverford corresponded to an exciting time in the biological sciences, with many major discoveries and advances. This excitement was conveyed by the biology faculty members Ariel Loewy, Irv Finger, and Mel Santer. Bob remembers Ariel as a kind and gifted teacher and personally supportive, instilling not only knowledge of science, but also the philosophy and methodology of scientific research. He encouraged students to collaborate with him on research and to continue it in their future careers. Bob recognizes his impact: "Dr. Loewy gave me the courage and ability to pursue and publish research." Bob credits Haverford with instilling the confidence and skills to succeed, noting that his first two publications came from research he conducted in the laboratory of Professor Loewy. Close contact with professors, Bob found, was "enormously enabling."

Bob Kriel and Linda Krach

Bob Kriel ‘59 and Linda Krach joined the Haverford alumni expedition to the Arctic Circle in 2019. Photo courtesy of Linda Krach.

Linda notes another distinctive quality of Haverford. "At Bob's reunions, I always have been impressed by how the men gather and talk about their lives and share in a way that is so unusual. Perhaps this is in part due to the Honor Code, but it also seems due to the uniqueness of the place and the support that they received from one another and the institution as young men."

"While I was very receptive to doing more for Haverford, it was very important that I could do so within my means."

Bob describes 2019 as an "exceptional" year in his relationship with Haverford. The couple hosted Associate Professor and Chair of Environmental Studies Jonathan Wilson for a Haverford event in Minneapolis. Another highlight was Bob's 60th reunion which was organized by the class leader Frank Lyman. Also in 2019 was the trip that he and Linda took to the Arctic with Haverford alumni. Among the special features of that trip were presentations by Helen White, associate professor of chemistry and environmental studies and director of the Koshland Integrated Science Center. The journey to the Arctic was also memorable for its "phenomenal" lectures and spectacular scenery.

Soon after the excursion to the Arctic, Bob decided to establish the Ariel G. Loewy Fund in Environmental Studies to support student and faculty engagement in field research associated with environmental studies. While Bob had long ago made a provision for Haverford in his will, his interest in environmental issues led him to think about enhancing and directing his support. "While I was very receptive to doing more for Haverford, it was important that I could do so within my means and that my support would help students and be linked to research. While there are many crises facing our culture and world health, the most fundamental is environmental collapse. Being able to help Haverford address this urgent societal issue clinched it."

Because Bob already has a trust, making his gift involved only minor revisions to the trust document. That Bob could begin to seed the Ariel G. Loewy Fund in Environmental Studies during his and Linda's lifetimes—and see the impact of their philanthropy on students collaborating closely with professors—was not only achievable, but highly meaningful. "I feel as close to Haverford as I ever have," says Bob. Living in the Twin Cities, Bob and Linda appreciate the lasting impact of the liberal arts on developing interests that are "so different from what we do professionally." They enjoy the rich cultural life of the area, especially music, and both serve on an advisory board for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Linda and Bob head for "the lake" on summer weekends where they nurture their passion as birders. Bob volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, where he enjoys teaching students and visitors and participates in the care of injured raptors. "Learning and developing after college are key takeaways of the liberal arts experience," Bob concludes.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Haverford College 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 Haverford College, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041, 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 Haverford or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

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 Haverford 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 Haverford 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 Haverford where you agree to make a gift to Haverford 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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