Mary Frances Kleifgen Beno '70: Gift Provides for a Scholarship in the Field of Special Education
Mary Frances Kleifgen Beno '70 is among the lucky few who understand their calling in life at an early age. She knew what she wanted to do when she was in the 5th grade-teach deaf students. She observed a Catholic Charities program for deaf students at her grammar school and saw firsthand the power education can have on a person.
She chose Saint Xavier University to further her education and earned a bachelor's degree in speech therapy. "There was no better college to go to than Saint Xavier...their reputation was impeccable. Plus, my parents were thrilled because on a good day I could walk to school!"
After graduating, she completed a master's degree in deaf and hard of hearing at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. "There were actually classes I tested out of at Canisius because my background from Saint Xavier was so good!"
Fran returned to Illinois to begin her teaching career. Whenever she realized she needed more training or specialized education, she turned to her alma mater-Saint Xavier University. In time, she completed the requirements for certificates in learning disabilities and behavior disorders, then the coursework for a Type 75 certificate for administration. "Again, there was no better school. Saint Xavier even provided classes in special education administration, as well as a practicum which was absolutely unheard of back then."
When it came time for Fran and her husband, Paul, to create a will, they named Saint Xavier University as one of their beneficiaries. "I chose Saint Xavier because of the excellent education I received. I want to see that continue into the future. My legacy gift is stipulated for a scholarship in the field of special education. My heart has always been in special education-all 37 years of my career had something to do with special education teaching or special education administration-even as an assistant superintendent. We continue to need outstanding programs in this field, and Saint Xavier certainly provides one."
It has been said that the greatest thanks we can show for our past is to take responsibility for our future. Fran and Paul are doing this by including a gift to Saint Xavier University in their estate plans. Their legacy will provide education for tomorrow's special education students and the circle of learning will continue at Saint Xavier well beyond Fran and Paul's lifetime.
You, too, can leave equally remarkable legacy. Contact Jill M. Roggeveen at 773-298-3316 or cusack@sxu.edu to discuss your options.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.