Grit, Grace, and Gratitude
Rennie Wilson Washburn ‘82 remembers Bruce Burdett describing the forestry program: “In the fall, we cut. In the spring, we plant.” Forestry was an alternative to sports for the afternoon program and the group operated chainsaws and drove an El Camino around campus; she loved it. Rennie also appreciated cleaning classrooms and distributing athletic uniforms to her teammates through the work program. These experiences instilled in her a sense of responsibility, hard work, and grit.
Faculty members, like Bruce and Peg Burdett, Dick Hopley, Emmy Leavitt, Ann Gilman, Gordon McKinley and others, supported Rennie’s interests and encouraged her to try new things. She took full advantage of their advice. She played field hockey, danced, sang in the choir, performed with Dramat and participated in a number of clubs. The generosity of spirit across campus not only created a close and supportive community but also taught Rennie grace.
Rennie’s gratitude for her Westminster experience inspired her to join the Thring Society. “I want young people to have great opportunities and receive a solid education at Westminster,” she said.. “The best way to support financial aid is to build the endowment. You don’t have to be incredibly wealthy to do this; most people have a retirement plan. My IRA is also the most tax efficient way to leave something to the school.”
Rennie added Westminster as a beneficiary on her IRA manager’s website, which took just a few moments. Westminster welcomed her to the Thring Society when she shared the news. The Thring Society honors everyone who includes Westminster in their estate plans at any gift level.
If you feel grit, grace, and gratitude for your Westminster experience, please consider joining Rennie in the Thring Society. Including Westminster in your plans is easier than ever; here are three simple ways:
- Make Westminster a beneficiary of your 401(k) or IRA
- Start a charitable gift annuity or deferred charitable gift annuity
- Make Westminster a beneficiary of a donor advised fund
If you would like to learn more about the Thring Society, contact Jennifer Keyo at 860-408-3039 or jkeyo@westminster-school.org.
