Development News

Alf Ward, from left, a Winthrop emeritus professor of art and designer of the Medal of Honor for the Arts medal, met with Johnny King, a Rock Hill guitarist and recipient of one of this year's Medals of Honor, and Tom Stanley, director of the Winthrop University Galleries. In their spare time, the three are in a local band together.

• Honor Roll of Contributors Available. As a state institution in an era of shrinking budget allotments, we depend on generosity like yours to provide the very best experience to every student who lives, learns, and leads at Winthrop. Your gifts have meant that the highest priorities – like student scholarships – can be addressed. As we continue to receive recognition accolades like listings in “Best of” college publications, please know that you share in this recognition – your support has made it happen! View the 2008 Honor Roll of Contributors.

• The Pension Protection Act is back for a repeat performance. Don’t miss this second-chance opportunity to make tax-free gifts from your IRA. Under the reinstated Pension Protection Act of 2006, individuals 70½ or older can make a gift to a qualified charitable organization, such as Winthrop University Foundation, using funds transferred directly from an individual retirement account (IRA) without reporting it as taxable income.

Before this new law, all individuals would have had to report any amount taken from their IRA as taxable income, then take a charitable deduction for the gift, but only up to 50 percent of the adjusted gross income. This opportunity ends Dec. 31, 2009.

• Simple Ways to Stretch Your Charitable Giving. Everyone is pinching their pennies these days. One area you may be evaluating is your own charitable giving. Winthrop appreciates your participation in giving to the Loyalty Fund. Every gift – no matter the size – makes a huge difference as we continue to provide unrestricted student scholarships, faculty awards, support the alumni association and other key priorities. Especially this year, as the state of South Carolina continues to cut Winthrop’s budget, private support through the annual fund makes a huge difference.

Setting up weekly, monthly, or quarterly gifts through bank draft or by credit card is an easy way to stretch your charitable dollars. If you have questions, contact Teleia Tollison White, director of annual giving, at 888/219-1791. Learn about recurring gifts and other forms of charitable giving.