Small Sacrifice Will Make a Monumental Difference

Leverman Designates Life Insurance to Provide Gift in Support of Students

Susan and Fred Leverman

Susan and Fred Leverman

Fred Leverman has seen firsthand the balancing act so many Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) students perform in pursuit of a college education and a better lot in life. When attending DMACC Ankeny Campus in the early 1980s, he was impressed by students who were working full time, attending classes, and doing it all without assistance from anyone else.

As a college student himself, he felt a push to do something that would make life easier for those chasing their dreams in the face of significant financial hurdles. He made himself a promise that as soon as he could afford it, he would give back to DMACC.

"Even back when I attended, DMACC had a very diverse student base and many of those I attended classes with were dealing with several challenges," Fred says.

While he did not finish his degree at DMACC, he did have a successful career in the insurance industry. Early on in his career he attended a seminar that focused on legacy giving and the practice of establishing a life insurance policy to be used specifically as an avenue to give to charity. He walked out of the seminar inspired to give back to students like those who inspired him at DMACC.

"I designated the gift back in 1987," Fred says. "The primary reason I chose this way to give is because I couldn't afford an outright gift of $10,000 or $20,000, but I could afford a few dollars a month. This is such a gratifying way to give. It makes me feel very good."

When Fred—who is retired from the insurance industry and now works as a custodian on the Ankeny Campus—passes away, his life insurance policy will provide a significant gift to the DMACC Foundation.

"I keep thinking back to when I was in school and the students I knew who were struggling," Fred says. "This gift is a way to give and leave a legacy without it being a huge sacrifice. It is a small amount monthly that will have a huge impact on students in the future."

To learn more about making a planned gift in support of DMACC students, contact the DMACC Foundation at 515-964-6229 or foundation@dmacc.edu.

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