In His Own Words

My name is Don Rizzo, and I was introduced to UMass Amherst in the summer of 1952, when, as a rising senior at North Quincy High School, I was chosen to represent my school for a two-week program called Boys State at the University of Massachusetts.

For me, this was the beginning of an infatuation with what was to become my college of choice. What I received at UMass Amherst was an educational bargain like no other. Granted the value of a dollar in the 1950s cannot compare to that of today, but, as I recall, tuition was $100. Not unfamiliar with hard work, I found ways to cover my expenses. It was all fun—adding to the learning experience and it helped me develop friendships which have continued some 64 years later. Unfortunately, students now are finding it more and more difficult to cover the rising cost of education.

That's why my wife, Carol, and I have designated whatever UMass Amherst contributions we are fortunate enough to make to go toward helping students. It's the students we care about for we were them. They are the leaders of tomorrow we so desperately need. They have so much to offer. All they need is a little help and our “little” can mean so much.

With the help of the UMass Amherst Gift Planning Department, Carol and I introduced flexibility into our personal planning. This flexibility allows some assets to benefit students now rather than later through the estate process while the two of us, our loved ones, and other deserving organizations still benefit. Using such tools as a Scholarship Endowment, a Charitable Gift Annuity, a few simple testamentary provisions, and the gifting of the occasional unused asset, we have developed a plan that fits our personal circumstances.

If you feel anything like how Carol and I do about UMass Amherst, I hope you’ll join us in supporting the students they do such a fine job of educating.

We are proud contributors primarily because of the people who have been, who are, and who will continue to be what makes UMass Amherst what it is today.

If you’d like to join Don and Carol in creating a legacy gift to support future students, contact Joseph K. Jayne ’21MPP at 413-577-1418 or giftplanning@uma-foundation.org. It would be our honor to assist you.