- Office of Planned Giving, Lehigh University
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- 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3086
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- intower@lehigh.edu
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- (610) 758-4749
Kevin L. Clayton ’84 P’13
Chair, Tower Society
Dear Alumni & Friends:
Lehigh has enriched my life in immeasurable ways, and I know it has done the same for you. It is this shared connection that inspires us to look forward — to secure the university’s future while planning for our own. I’m deeply grateful to serve as the fourth chair of the Tower Society, and it’s my distinct privilege to thank you for making philanthropy a part of your Lehigh story.
The impact of the Tower Society is undeniable. In the last fiscal year alone, planned gifts totaled $41 million, including $34.5 million in testamentary commitments, $5 million in realized bequests, and $1.5 million in life income gifts. Collectively, we are generating the momentum that will propel Lehigh forward, ensuring the same education that shaped our lives continues to prepare tomorrow’s students for fulfilling academic and professional success.
The Planned Giving Report offers a deeper look at the Tower Society’s impact by recognizing realized bequests and sharing stories that underscore the power of future-focused philanthropy. I hope you enjoy learning more about what your support makes possible.
At the heart of the Tower Society’s legacy are the memories that inspired your planned gift: the professors who taught you, the friends who stood by you, and the campus that welcomed you. I hope you continue to hold those memories close. Thank you for sustaining Lehigh’s special academic community for decades to come.
Sincerely,
Kevin L. Clayton ’84 P’13
Chair, Tower Society
The Planned Giving team is dedicated to helping donors create lasting legacies that reflect their passions and align with Lehigh’s mission and values. We approach our work with integrity, empathy, and collaboration, listening carefully to each donor's goals and guiding them with expertise. We believe every planned gift represents a partnership built on trust and a shared commitment to the future. By fostering relationships rooted in care and gratitude, we make philanthropy personal and purposeful, inspiring impact that will benefit generations to come.
The following report offers information about planned giving vehicles, expresses our gratitude for the bequests realized in the past fiscal year, and highlights stories of future-focused generosity. View our donor stories.
It is our privilege to help tell your Lehigh story through philanthropy. Our team is available to answer your questions and assist you in creating your unique legacy.
One of the most popular ways to make a gift now, without reducing your income, is through Lehigh’s Planned Giving Program.
Lehigh offers both immediate and deferred payment annuities. A person who enters into a gift annuity agreement with Lehigh is accomplishing two goals — making a gift to Lehigh and securing a fixed income for life.
Rates: Lehigh follows the annuity rates established by the American Council on Gift Annuities. While lower than commercial annuities, donors obtain a charitable income tax deduction and support Lehigh University. Payments are fixed and guaranteed.
Learn more at plannedgiving.lehigh.eduOperates similarly to a mutual fund. Contributions are pooled under the trusteeship of Lehigh. Income earned is paid to participants in pro rata shares. The gift is irrevocable, and Lehigh ultimately receives the principal.
Individually managed portfolios (annuity trusts, lead trusts, remainder trusts). A charitable remainder trust pays the beneficiary a percentage of the fair market value (no less than 5%) as revalued annually.
Fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
| Type of Gift | Market Value | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Charitable Gift Annuities | $19,477,599 | 191 |
| Pooled Life Income Funds | $10,871,016 | 25 |
| Charitable Remainder Unitrusts | $11,558,443 | 15 |
| Funds Held in Trust by Others | $4,877,419 | 9 |
| Total Planned Giving Assets | $46,784,477 | 240 |
The following individuals and couples became members of the Tower Society in 2025:
The Office of Planned Giving recognizes the following individuals who, together in fiscal year 2025, provided $5,064,598.51 for Lehigh through realized bequests.
The following bequests were received for restricted purposes.
The following individuals left unrestricted bequests to the university.
