Virginia Hart A'75
Virginia Hart A’75
When asked about Salem Academy and the ways she chose to make legacy gifts for the Academy, Virginia Hart A'75 shared the following:
"The first thought that comes to my mind when I hear 'Salem Academy' is excellence. I received an excellent education at Salem Academy, not just in academics, but in life lessons. The honor code, the importance of friendships in sustaining a fulfilling life, the freedom to pursue all my interests, whether it was Glee Club, field hockey or drama productions - whatever I decided to do, I knew I was supported and nurtured in every endeavor. My Salem Academy experience provided the foundation for the rest of my life."
"Having served as the Academy's Alumnae Director (many years ago!), I learned how important the Academy Fund is to ensure current operating expenses are met, but I also came to appreciate how critical planned giving can be to the institution. When it came to my own planning, I wanted to make sure Salem knew they could count on my support not just this year and in upcoming years, but also in the event of my death. I view planned giving as a more invested relationship with Salem Academy. I'm making Salem Academy a priority in my estate planning, just as it's a priority in my annual charitable contributions."
"I hope my planned gift will help to ensure that future generations of young women have the same opportunity I did: to attend Salem Academy and receive an excellent education that will provide them with the foundational skills and leadership capabilities to enjoy an impactful, meaningful life."
"The great thing about planned giving is that you don't have to be extremely wealthy. It can be as simple as bequeathing a dollar amount in your will or naming Salem Academy as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. In my case, I have an annuity and a long-term care insurance policy, and I have named Salem Academy as the beneficiary of both. I may live several more decades, but for right now, Salem Academy can count on me for ongoing Annual Fund gifts as well as a larger gift when I die. It's important to me to know that Salem Academy will continue to thrive, long after I'm gone."
"I was fortunate to be a student for Salem's 200th anniversary in 1972. It was thrilling to be a part of that celebration, especially singing Margaret Sandresky's original composition for the Salem Academy Glee Club. I was even more fortunate to be involved with Salem's 250th anniversary, especially planning the Journey from Bethlehem to Salem. I am especially appreciative of Salem's founding Single Sisters, because their sacrifices and determination made Salem Academy possible. It is my sincere hope that Salem Academy is still here 250 years from now, and perhaps my planned gift will play some small role in Salem Academy's lasting impact on young women."
