Seraphim Legacy Society | St Bonaventure University

The Seraphim Legacy Society at St. Bonaventure University recognizes and honors our alumni and friends who will support the University through deferred or "planned" gifts, such as wills, trusts, or other methods. The foresight of our Seraphim Legacy Society members helps St. Bonaventure succeed in fulfilling its mission and benefits future generations of students and their families.

BE PART OF A SPECIAL GROUP OF BENEFACTORS

While many of our alumni and friends choose to make outright gifts of cash, stock or real estate to support St. Bonaventure, it is sometimes more advantageous – to both the individual and the University – to consider a planned gift. For example, various planned giving opportunities can offer immediate personal tax benefits as well as income for life. In addition, many donors find they can give well beyond their current ability by naming the University in their will.

Planned gifts can be made in a variety of ways, such as:

Specifying a percentage of an estate;
Creating a trust in support of the University;
Making a gift that offers income for the life of the donor; or
Establishing a gift of commercial or residential real estate.

The name "Seraphim Legacy Society" was chosen for this special association of benefactors because of the great significance of the seraph to the University. Among the nine orders of angels, the seraphim are closest to the divine throne. A seraphic vision in 1224 on Mount La Verna resulted in St. Francis receiving the Stigmata, the imprinted passion of Christ upon his flesh. St. Bonaventure's meditation on the seraph and on the life of St. Francis brought deeper meaning to his work. For these reasons, the image of a six-winged seraph is at the center of St. Bonaventure University's official seal.

Through their well-considered philanthropy, Seraphim Legacy Society members impart a special legacy to St. Bonaventure University – a legacy that will allow our University to continue providing future generations of students with an outstanding education grounded in the Franciscan tradition.

The importance of planned gifts cannot be overstated, nor can the need for professional counsel when considering how to design your gift. The Office of Planned Giving and/or your financial advisor can offer you more information about the best plan for you.

If you have already included the University in your estate plans, please let us know so we can properly recognize your generosity and dedication to St. Bonaventure.

Download a Statement of Bequest Provision form.

SAMPLE WORDING FOR ESTATE GIFTS

"I give, devise and bequeath to St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, New York, 14778, $_______ (or state a fraction or percentage of the estate)

OR

I give, devise and bequeath to St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, New York, 14778, the amount of $___________, to be used for (state a specific area, such as: to the general endowment, athletics, Quick Center for the Arts, Franciscan Institute, School of Education, etc.; or state a specific purpose, such as: to endow a new scholarship or to add to an existing scholarship) unless such a scholarship, program or area no longer exists, in which case, St. Bonaventure's Board of Trustees can direct the funds wherever the need is greatest."

For additional information, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at the address below or by calling (800) 664-1273, opt. #3.