Skip to Content
header1

Alumna's Estate Gift Working to Make a Difference for Future Generations

Bernice Sabo

Bernice "Bee" Sabo's generosity will impact SXU for generations to come

A woman of humble beginnings, Bernice "Bee" Sabo graduated at the top of her high school class and received a full scholarship to attend Saint Xavier University. She graduated in 1951 with a degree in Medical Technology and was recruited shortly after by Johnson & Johnson to lead a laboratory division in New Jersey.

Thankful for her Saint Xavier education, Bee embarked on a fulfilling career that sent her around the United States to provide education to medical facilities. Along the way, she met her husband, Bill. They married in 1971 and cared for one another until Bill's passing in 2013.

In her later years, Bee dedicated extensive time to reflect on the blessings that produced a fulfilling life. Ever grateful for her scholarship to Saint Xavier that set her career in motion, Bee decided to give back to her alma mater through an estate gift.

She passed away in 2019, leaving behind a strong legacy of compassion and a commitment to planting the seeds of success for future generations.

We hope you'll consider giving back by leaving Saint Xavier University in your estate plan. Contact Jeanmarie Cusack '85 at 773-298-3316 or cusack@sxu.edu to learn how.

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Saint Xavier University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I give, devise and bequeath to Saint Xavier University, a non-profit corporation existing under the laws of the state of Illinois and located in the city of Chicago, Illinois, ________ (fill in a percentage of your estate, a certain sum of dollars, or a description of particular property), to be used in its area of greatest need.

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Saint Xavier or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Saint Xavier as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Saint Xavier as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Saint Xavier where you agree to make a gift to Saint Xavier and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address