Make Westminster Part of Your Legacy
The Class of 1966 has created a legacy that involves some of Westminster’s top distinctions. The group established the Keyes Bowl, which is presented at commencement to a member of the Sixth Form that recognizes the qualities of loyalty, courage, leadership and humility; the Alan F. Brooks ’55 Distinguished Alumni Award, which is awarded annually to a former student who exemplifies in thought, word and deed Westminster’s mission and core values; and a campus plaque recently dedicated to the wives and mothers of Westminster.
This year, Dick Stewart ’66 challenged his classmates to increase their legacy by becoming the class with the most members in the Thring Society. He started by admitting that his perception of the Thring Society had been wrong. “I assumed that the Thring Society was a special recognition for the very large donors to the school,” he said. “I was mistaken.” The Thring Society honors anyone who includes Westminster in their estate plans at any gift level.
He shared his plans: “In my particular case, I am leaving a percentage of my individual retirement account (IRA) to the school.” Finally, he appealed to their personal legacy. “When each classmate makes a bequest, his name goes onto a handsome plaque that hangs in the entry of Cushing Hall.”
Dick’s efforts were successful. The Class of 1966 has the most members in the Thring Society. Several of his classmates also used their respective IRAs as an easy and effective way to support Westminster. The Thring Society plaque in Cushing Hall has been updated and stands as a new reminder of the legacy of the Class of 1966.
