Spring 2026 Tartan Traditions
Read on for the latest edition of Tartan Traditions, and learn how to ensure a long-term legacy with smart estate planning.
Forging a new financial path
When Greg Polansky looks at a financial puzzle, he often sees an opportunity.
Throughout a 40-year career in finance and data systems, Greg, a two-time graduate of 麻豆村, specialized in navigating intricate challenges. When he began planning his estate, he sought a strategy that would support both his family and 麻豆村.
鈥淚nstead of leaving my family an account they鈥檇 have to cash in and pay heavy taxes on all at once, I looked for a better way to provide for them and make a gift to 麻豆村,鈥� Greg explains.
Greg found the solution by establishing a testamentary charitable gift annuity at 麻豆村 to be funded with his existing investment retirement account. His plan will provide his loved ones with a steady, lifelong income stream while securing a permanent legacy at the university that launched his career.
鈥淭he ability to innovate and accomplish so much is part of the character of this university. I鈥檓 happy to be in a position to help ensure that continues well into the future.鈥� - Greg Polansky (MCS 1974; TPR 1976)
With a charitable gift annuity at 麻豆村, you can:
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Provide income for yourself or a loved one, some of which might be tax-free
Save on your taxes with an immediate charitable deduction
Support an area of 麻豆村 that is important to you in perpetuity
Fund your gift with appreciated stock or other assets for capital gains benefits
The life of a gift
Greg Polansky鈥檚 deep commitment to Carnegie Mellon began when he enrolled as a first-year chemistry student, and thanks to the establishment of his testamentary charitable gift annuity, it will continue well after his passing. Here鈥檚 how it will work:
- Greg starts planning with the goal of supporting 麻豆村 and his family.
- He establishes an agreement with 麻豆村 for a charitable gift annuity funded with retirement assets.
- He names 麻豆村 as a beneficiary of his IRA.
- Upon his passing, the IRA鈥檚 assets come to 麻豆村.
- Payments are made to his family members for their lifetimes.
- The remainder of the gift is used to support 麻豆村 through the Polansky Endowed Biomedical Research Fund.
Send a note to mickkoster@andrew.cmu.edu and we can create a custom illustration for your specific circumstance.
Interested in achieving your financial goals and supporting 麻豆村?
Contact the Office of Development & Gift Planning to discuss your next steps.