Jessie Thurecht Hook ’46 is one of many donors who are helping to secure Elon’s future by placing the university in their wills. By including Elon in her estate, Jessie can continue to live comfortably and help her alma mater in the future.
“Making this gift gives me a good feeling that I couldn’t possibly buy,” Jessie says. “It won’t affect my lifestyle any and in the future it will help more students attend Elon, which can only make our world better. I can’t think of any other way to spend my money that would give me as much pleasure. It’s just that simple.”
Jessie endowed a scholarship in her name to help students with financial need. She made Elon the beneficiary of her retirement plan, enabling her to leave a legacy at the university and gain valuable income tax and estate tax savings. She says it’s the least she can do to thank her alma mater.
“Had Elon not helped me, I couldn’t help Elon today,” she says. “Scholarships are very important because a lot of people need help to attend college. I can’t think of any better use for my money that will do more good in the long run. I think it’s a good buy for the buck!”
After graduating from Elon with degrees in biology and English, Jessie earned a master’s degree in biochemistry at Emory University before beginning a successful career as a lab researcher. She later married Edward W. Hook, former chair of the department of medicine at the University of Virginia, and raised four children in Charlottesville, Va.
“My education enlarged my perspective on many things,” Jessie says. “I hope my scholarship will pave the way for students to develop themselves and use their abilities as well as they can. I also hope this inspires others to give.”
To learn more about estate gifts and other planned giving options, go to http://www.legacy.vg/elon or call Brian Baker, Executive Director of Major and Planned Giving, at 336.278.7453.