In late 1996, Dan Viehmann was exploring ways to help his mother Alice reduce her taxable estate. Dan’s neighbor, an alumnus of the School of Law, suggested making a charitable gift to Washington University. From that suggestion emerged a philanthropic legacy that promises to provide lasting impact on research in the School of Medicine.
After meeting with WashU development staff, Dan and his wife Betty helped establish a charitable annuity trust on behalf of Dan’s mother using highly appreciated securities. The trust would pay Alice during her lifetime, and upon her passing, Dan and Betty. Ultimately, the trust would fund neurological research in the School of Medicine.
Dan’s own philanthropy to WashU began soon after his mother’s gift was established. Dan had had a successful career with AT&T, starting out as a young man working in the storeroom, then as a lineman, and eventually becoming a manager with the company. While his parents were college graduates—Alice had been a teacher—they understood Dan’s desire to go right to work and supported his choice.
“I had wonderful parents. They knew I wasn’t college material,” Dan states, but he is assured his parents were proud of his successful career and his savvy financial decisions.
Dan recalls his father giving him a share of stock every year from the time he was born until he was 15. Rather than spend the dividends, Dan saved instead and bought more stock.
Dan’s wife Betty had done well for herself also, and both enjoyed traveling. They met while each was vacationing separately in Hong Kong, reconnecting when they returned to St. Louis. Dan and Betty married a couple of years later, each selling their homes and purchasing one together, where Dan still lives.
While they had no prior affiliation with WashU, Dan and Betty quickly realized the impact their giving could have at the university. Within months of completing Dan’s mother’s gift, the Viehmanns had committed a portion of their own estate to the School of Medicine.
Dan and Betty’s generosity has benefitted research in both cancer and neurology research, but the majority of their giving has been directed toward the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Over nearly two decades, Dan and Betty continued to make contributions to fund charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities, all for the benefit of orthopedic surgery and supportive research. In 2011, the Viehmanns updated their plans to leave the remainder of their estate to fund continued research and a distinguished professorship in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
Betty passed away in 2018, but Dan’s philanthropy to WashU continues through life income gifts, which align with his history of wise financial decisions. By making contributions to WashU through charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts that generate an income, Dan is able to reinvest that income into additional gifts. Dan recently provided an outright gift to create the Daniel C. Viehmann Research Fund supporting research being conducted by Dr. John Clohisy, the Daniel C. and Betty B. Viehmann Distinguished Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery, and plans to continue this annually.
Becoming personally connected to Dr. Richard Gelberman, former chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Regis O’Keefe, current department chair, and Dr. Clohisy have been meaningful relationships for Dan.
“I’ve been very pleased with Dr. Clohisy,” Dan says. “He’s done a marvelous job.”
Dr. Clohisy is grateful for Dan’s support. “Serving as the Daniel C. and Betty B. Viehmann Distinguished Professor has been a highlight of my career,” Dr. Clohisy says.
“The Viehmanns’ ongoing support of our research program has been extremely impactful and has improved the lives of our patients with hip disease. In addition to his generous philanthropy, Dan stands out as a very positive, humble, and gracious person. His commitment to improving the lives of others is inspiring. ”
When asked about the legacy Dan wants to leave at WashU, he eschews any recognition. Dan is most proud of seeing his giving benefit many areas at WashU.
“I don’t need anything—it’s about the work that’s being done,” Dan says.
LIKE DAN, YOU CAN SUPPORT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY THROUGH A PLANNED GIFT. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF PLANNED GIVING TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY AT WASHU.