You can create a meaningful legacy for Portland State University by naming PSU as a beneficiary of an asset you already own.
A beneficiary designation is a simple way to include Portland State in your future plans. You can name PSU as a beneficiary of all or a portion of certain assets, while continuing to use and enjoy those assets during your lifetime.
A simple way to create your legacy
Beneficiary designations can be used with a variety of assets, including:
Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s
Life insurance policies
Bank accounts
Brokerage accounts
You can choose to designate a specific dollar amount, percentage or other portion of an eligible asset to PSU.
Because beneficiary designations generally can be changed during your lifetime, they can offer flexibility as your circumstances and priorities change.
Your gift can make a difference for generations
For Suzanne Ward ’08, her PSU education opened new possibilities and helped her become the first person in her family to earn a college degree.
In gratitude for the impact PSU had on her life, Suzanne named Portland State University as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy in 2019. Later, she named PSU as a beneficiary of her trust, creating an endowment to benefit the Engineering & Technology Management Department.
Her story is one example of how a planned gift can reflect what matters most to you and help future generations of students pursue their own goals.
How to name PSU as a beneficiary
If you are considering a beneficiary designation gift, the process can be simple:
- Review your accounts and policies
Identify retirement accounts, life insurance policies or other assets that allow you to name beneficiaries. - Decide how you would like to give
You can name Portland State University Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of an eligible asset. - Update your beneficiary designation
Contact your financial institution, insurance company or plan administrator to request the appropriate beneficiary designation form. - Let us know about your plans
We invite you to share your intentions with the PSU Foundation so we can make sure your wishes are understood and recognize your generosity appropriately.
How to name PSU as a beneficiary
If you are considering a beneficiary designation gift, the process can be simple:
Review your accounts and policies: Identify retirement accounts, life insurance policies or other assets that allow you to name beneficiaries.
Decide how you would like to give: You can name Portland State University Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of an eligible asset.
Update your beneficiary designation: Contact your financial institution, insurance company or plan administrator to request the appropriate beneficiary designation form.
Let us know about your plans: We invite you to share your intentions with the PSU Foundation so we can make sure your wishes are understood and recognize your generosity appropriately.
We're here to help
Every person's circumstances are different. We encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial adviser or other professional advisers before making or changing an estate plan.
Our planned giving team is also here to answer questions and help you explore your options.
Taylor Montgomery
Associate Director of Planned Giving
montgomeryt@psuf.org
503-725-9146
Review your accounts and policies
Identify retirement accounts, life insurance policies or other assets that allow you to name beneficiaries.
Decide how you would like to give
You can name Portland State University Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of an eligible asset.
Update your beneficiary designation
Contact your financial institution, insurance company or plan administrator to request the appropriate beneficiary designation form.
Let us know about your plans
We invite you to share your intentions with the PSU Foundation so we can make sure your wishes are understood and recognize your generosity appropriately.