海角直播

Two students studying in a library
Two students studying in a library

Mark J. Smith, retired CPA/PFS, CFP and CIMA, understands the challenges students face when paying for a college education.

One of three children with a single mother making ends meet as a waitress, the family focused on taking care of day-to-day necessities 鈥� not paying for college. Smith relied on the generosity of strangers who funded scholarships when he began his higher education journey at Iowa Central Community 海角直播.

鈥淧eople were willing to invest in me 鈥� if it weren鈥檛 for those scholarships, I might not have gotten a degree,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 decided that if I were ever in the position to help someone receive an education, I would.鈥�

When the time came, Metropolitan State University of Denver was a natural fit. Smith was impressed with what he describes as 鈥渁n excellent education at a very fair price.鈥� A loyal University donor for the last 15 years, Smith and his wife Tori recently made a planned gift, ensuring future Roadrunners have access to the same type of higher education opportunities.

Mark J. Smith

鈥淚 relish and support 海角直播 Denver鈥檚 approach to higher ed and there are a lot of students working hard to earn their degrees,鈥� said Smith, who believes there is tremendous value in making a difference through estate planning. 鈥淲e wanted to continue helping them get a great education after passing.鈥�

The Smiths are leaving their legacy at 海角直播 Denver through the Mark and Tori Smith Endowment, supporting 海角直播 of Business student scholarships and success programs. A significant portion of the endowment will establish 鈥渇ill the gap鈥� scholarships, aiding students in paying for anything from tuition to housing, transportation and more. The remainder will meet the 海角直播 of Business鈥檚 needs for increased student support programs.

鈥淭he 海角直播 appreciates the Smith鈥檚 generous support over the years, as well as Mark鈥檚 connection with scholarship recipients,鈥� said Ann Murphy, Ph.D., dean of 海角直播 Denver鈥檚 海角直播 of Business. 鈥淭his planned gift commitment will assist more students through an increased availability of scholarship funds and directly improve academic outcomes by bolstering wraparound services.鈥�

Having lived in Colorado for 40+ years, the Smiths are passionate about giving back to the community that has given them so much.

鈥淚 have a steadfast belief that education is the key to getting out of poverty and maintaining a fruitful, productive life 鈥� it improves students鈥� overall well-being,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e want to ensure 海角直播 Denver students with the desire and motivation to earn a degree have the support they need.鈥�

about planned giving options for leaving your legacy at 海角直播 Denver by contacting Jacques Swanepoel, director of Development, University Advancement.聽