A Story of Grateful Giving — Ruth Coomber Matt '79

By Ruth Coomber Matt ’79

As I reflect back on my school years I realize my time at The Hun School was more influential to my development than the following university years. I believe this is because of the size of the overall School, the small class size and the care and competence of the School’s teachers and staff. I left loving every subject. Mr. Hannas, Mr. Kirschner, Mr. Dersch, Mr. Apolotegui, The Figueroas, Mr. Rozas, Jake and Art, Mr. Spengler, Mr. McQuade and many more, all made a difference by instilling the love of their subjects and respect for their blossoming student. Knowing each person in one’s class was so special. I was more of an arts rather than a sciences student in the Hun years, but married a physics major to balance it all out and continue learning!

I have lived in Maine for 30 years and it has been tough to get back and see you over the years. I still think fondly of those days from 1976-79 when I called Hun my home. Because of those memories, I decided to name Hun as a partial primary beneficiary of my traditional IRA, along with several other charities. Tax-deferred retirement plans are less desirable to inherit than other types of assets or accounts due to how they are taxed to your heirs. And with the proposed retirement plan changes being contemplated by Congress right now, this could be even more of an issue.

My husband, Jonathan, and I also named Hun in our wills. Giving to charity like this is like a final “tithe.”

It is really easy to change or update beneficiaries on IRAs or 401(k)s. Some have the forms online or you request them from your investment provider or advisor. You don’t need a lawyer to do this, although you want to make sure that your entire plan makes sense. Retirement plans pass by beneficiary designation and not through your will, unless you purposely name your estate.

I hope you will join me in considering a planned gift to Hun. I am proud of being a member of the John Gale Hun Society. I think I must have always known I would give back to Hun in some way when I look at my yearbook quote—“Gratitude is the memory of the heart; therefore, forget not to say often, I have all I ever enjoyed.—L.M Child.” By becoming a member of the John Gale Hun Society, I am not only showing my gratitude but also making sure future generations will have the ability to have the same caring and life-shaping experience that I did.

Your future gift to The Hun School helps provide extraordinary experiences to students for generations to come. Contact Alexis Brock at alexisbrock@hunschool.org or (609) 921-7600, Ext. 2246 to learn about your giving options.