Mary Jean Giltner

"My late husband, Ray, and I really wanted to do something special to support our alma mater, but we were concerned about protecting our retirement resources. We owned some bank stock that had increased in value but was not paying much dividend. We decided to create a charitable remainder unitrust with the stock and stipulated that the trust pay 6% of its value to us each year. We actually increased our income, avoided paying capital-gain tax on the stock, and received a tax deduction in the year the trust was created. At the end of my lifetime, the trust will be dissolved—and the remaining principal will go to the EKU Foundation to support Eastern's educational mission."

Ray served as president of the EKU National Alumni Association twice, and Mary Jean served many years in a leadership role on campus as a member of the EKU Foundation Board of Directors. Eastern has been a significant part of the Giltners' lives for nearly 60 years. Two daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson have all attended Eastern.