Looking forward with optimism

Spring has arrived, and with it a renewed sense of energy and optimism. After the many challenges we all faced this past year, it’s a welcome transition. As I reflect on my first year at WashU, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many alumni, colleagues and members of the WashU community. I have enjoyed getting to know some of you through phone and Zoom calls as well as our Brookings Partners virtual event in January.

We kick off this issue with a few new video messages from members of our Brookings Partners. I hope these messages will inspire you to consider sharing your planned giving story. I also am excited to share that we launched a new series of educational webinars to provide timely information and insights on a variety of financial, tax, and estate planning topics. Our first webinar in March focused on Life Insurance for Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer. If you were not able to join us, you can view the webinar online. Our next webinar, Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance is scheduled for May 19. Register here. I was thrilled to see so many alumni and friends from across the country on the first webinar, and welcome your feedback and suggestions for future webinars and programming.

As the year unfolds and vaccine distribution ramps up, my staff and I are looking forward to opportunities to meet in person when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, please contact us if we can be of assistance.

I hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and well.

Russ Austin
Associate Vice Chancellor for Planned Giving