For Jim Goodman ’80, JD/MBA ’83, P’18 and Robin Tapper ’80, P’18, Harvard has always been an important part of their lives—since their first days as undergraduates through their years as reunion volunteers and as College parents. And they support Harvard for the long term by creating a charitable remainder unitrust for the College.

“It’s an investment in our future, but it’s also an investment in Harvard: an investment in the pursuit of academic excellence, in Harvard’s culture of service, and in Harvard’s commitment to making this excellent education accessible to everyone,” says Robin, a physician who lives with her husband in Wayland, Massachusetts.

A charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) is a tax-wise way to make a gift to Harvard, providing donors or other family members with a lifetime income that may grow over time. Working with the Office of Gift Planning, donors establish a CRUT with a gift of cash, marketable securities, or other assets, which is then managed by the Harvard Management Company at no separate fee. They also receive an income tax deduction and avoid capital gains tax if they contribute appreciated assets.

“We see this as a chance to help Harvard build financial strength and support the role Harvard plays in our society,” says Jim, president of Gemini Investors, LLC. “Giving a CRUT also allows us to make a larger contribution now and retain a meaningful life interest.”

While Jim and Robin have established a number of CRUTs at Harvard, their most recent was made in honor of their College reunion. The couple, who were also high school classmates, and started dating a few years after college, never miss a chance to reconnect with their Harvard community, says Jim.

“When I entered Harvard in 1976, I was a green freshman who really didn’t have a view of the world beyond greater Boston,” says Jim. “At the College, I met incredibly talented students from across the country, including my three roommates in Wigglesworth. When I think back on my College experience, I think first about the lifelong friendships I made.”

Jim and Robin return to Cambridge frequently to visit their son Jason ’18 and recently attended their 35th Reunion (“the best one yet,” says Jim). And they have always given back to Harvard—both are active on their reunion gift committees and Robin serves as president of the Harvard Club in Concord. To them, a planned gift was simply another way they could extend that support.

“Being in the investment field, I realized that a CRUT was an outstanding opportunity to make a meaningful gift, share in the endowment’s strong performance, and support Harvard’s priorities in Allston, House Renewal, and financial aid,” says Jim.

“We really like the idea that this is a longer-term investment that will accumulate over our lifetime,” he says. “We hope this gift will provide support for Harvard’s mission for years to come.”


Learn more about how a charitable remainder unitrust can help you and help Harvard. You can also email ogp@harvard.edu for more information.

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