The Ronnenberg Legacy Society
What Is The Ronnenberg Legacy Society?
The Ronnenberg Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have made a lasting commitment to Mercy University through their estate plans. Named in honor of founding members Mary Ellen and Francis Ronnenberg, the Society celebrates those whose planned gifts help secure the University's future. In 2001, the Ronnenbergs demonstrated their generosity and vision by making a charitable commitment to Mercy University through planned giving.
Planned gifts play a vital role in strengthening Mercy University and expanding opportunities for future generations. These gifts support student scholarships, endowed professorships, unrestricted funding, and initiatives that enhance the educational experience for all students.
Your legacy gift can be directed to the area of Mercy University that matters most to you, including undergraduate or graduate programs, libraries, athletics, or another program or initiative that reflects your philanthropic interests and values.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of the Ronnenberg Legacy Society, you will enjoy:
- Recognition of your generosity, if you choose, while inspiring others to support Mercy University through your example.
- An invitation to the University's annual Legacy Society appreciation luncheon.
- Special invitations to select University programs, activities, and events.
- Personalized assistance from the Office of Institutional Advancement, including campus tours, meetings, and answers to your planned giving or University-related questions.
- The lasting satisfaction of knowing your generosity will help advance Mercy University's mission and create opportunities for future generations of students.
How to Join
You are eligible for membership in the Ronnenberg Legacy Society when you make a planned gift commitment to Mercy University, including:
- A bequest in your will or revocable living trust.
- A life-income gift that names Mercy University as the remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity.
- A charitable lead trust that provides income to Mercy University for a specified term of years or during the donor's lifetime.
- A beneficiary designation of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b).
- A gift of life insurance by naming Mercy University as a beneficiary or assigning ownership of the policy.
If you have already included Mercy University in a bequest or other planned gift, we hope you will let us know by contacting us at plannedgiving@mercy.edu. Your decision to join the Ronnenberg Legacy Society can inspire others to make a lasting investment in Mercy University's future. While we are honored to recognize members publicly, we also respect the wishes of those who prefer to remain anonymous. We encourage you to share your planned gift intentions with us confidentially so we can thank you for your generosity, ensure your gift is used as you intend, and welcome you as a member of the Ronnenberg Legacy Society.
If you have not yet included Mercy University in your estate plans but would like to explore the giving options that best meet your personal, family, and philanthropic goals, please contact Phillip A. Keefe, Executive Director, Development, at 914-654-5743 or email pkeefe@mercy.edu. at your earliest convenience. We would be pleased to discuss your options and answer your questions in a confidential, no-obligation conversation.