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The Centennial Campaign
No Upper Limit. Still.
A Gift for the Long Run
For runners in the Boston Marathon, trekking up the 88-foot Heartbreak Hill 20 miles into the race can be like
climbing Mount Everest. But when Linda and Bob Shepherd ’70 began heading up the slope April 21, 1997,
determination and months of careful planning propelled them up the hill and across the finish line.
The Shepherds are approaching their retirement in a similar way, carefully planning a deferred gift annuity
that will help them meet their financial goals while honoring Bob’s mother through the creation of an endowed
scholarship. Bob and Linda were among the first in their families to earn college degrees and credit their mothers’
commitment to education with making their achievements possible. “We give to universities to honor our moms,”
Bob remarked. “And I give to Rice because I appreciate what Rice did for me.”
Bob, a radiologist who earned a B.A. and M.S. in chemical engineering from Rice, says the solid academic
foundation he received as an undergraduate gave him the flexibility to enter any field. Now, by establishing
the Lurlene Shepherd Endowed Scholarship, the Shepherds are ensuring that female undergraduates receive an
equally strong education. By funding the scholarship with a deferred gift annuity, they also guarantee themselves
a steady stream of income for the long run.
[ Deferred Gift Annuities Enhance Your Retirement ]
Setting up a deferred gift annuity is a great way to ensure a secure income during your retirement
while supporting Rice. To learn more about this type of gift, please contact the Office of Gift Planning.
Phone: 713-348-4624 • Email: giftplan@rice.edu • Website: www.rice.planyourlegacy.org