Sustaining opportunities through gift annuities

Susan Jambor knew she wanted to include St. Olaf in her charitable giving plans. For her, it was just a question of how.

"I have such wonderful memories of my four years at St. Olaf — the beautiful campus, caring faculty, the warm family atmosphere," says Jambor. "It seemed natural to do something to help perpetuate all of this for generations to come. I had been thinking about charitable gift annuities. When I saw that St. Olaf could provide one and benefit from it, my decision was easily made."

By establishing a charitable gift annuity with the college, Susan created an impactful future gift to the college that now provides she and then another beneficiary guaranteed fixed income for life. After their lifetime, the remainder of her gift will support St. Olaf's mission.

A biology/health studies major, Susan worked at the library and enjoyed taking in St. Olaf's arts community and events. She also had the opportunity to study abroad in Aix-en Provence, the birthplace of Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne in southern France very near the Mediterranean coast. It was an opportunity that led to a rewarding life.

Since 1970, Susan has lived in France where she has worked as a teacher for decades, first for children with heart programs at a special school in Aix-en Provence, then teaching adults English at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Albi where she has remained for over 30 years. For a short time in between, she also opened her own antique shop.

"I have always felt lucky to have gone to such a wonderful college that took me so far, and value the education I received," says Jambor. "Those happy years on the Hill stand out as my last in the U.S. Certainly one of the most impactful experiences was my semester studying abroad–learning about another culture inspired me to live here ever since."

"Giving is important to me — my church education and my parents reinforced the importance of helping others," says Jambor. "I hope that my gifts may help others experience what I did on the Hill."