For Kathleen Rydar, '67, '80 MA, receiving support while a student herself sparked a lifetime of giving back.
“When I attended , I received fellowship support in the English Department, enough to pay my rent and buy groceries.”
Kathleen’s impactful “pay it forward” philosophy began in 1983 with a simple $20 gift to . Throughout the years, she has increased her support through outright gifts, pledges, planned gifts and most recently, through her IRA’s Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Her wide and significant scope of generosity has supported several scholarships and development funds, including the Kathleen L. Rydar-Boyden Endowed Fund, currently established as a general fund for the English Department.
While Kathleen was in high school, served as the site for state-wide speech and debate tournaments. As a member of the National Forensics League, she enjoyed these competitions and felt inspired by her impressions of the Kent Campus and the people she met. Although her parents wanted her to stay closer to home, Kathleen sensed that to expand her view of herself and the world, she needed to live on a campus like ’s.
Kathleen chooses to give back to the university to help prepare students for life, just as it prepared her.
“ nourished my wonder and gave me the tools to channel curiosity into lifelong learning. I simply want other students today, and those in the future, to benefit as I did.”
Kathleen also credits with her ability to transition professionally.
“My studies in the English Department, as well as the care and encouragement of the faculty, played a significant role in my formation as a well-rounded individual. This prepared me for a successful career in nonprofit development for colleges and universities, arts and culture and ultimately healthcare and medicine. In retirement, I have become a letterpress printer and bookbinder, which combines my love for craft and the vast world of literature. This path will be my lifetime passion moving forward - making the printed word beautiful and sharing it with others. I deeply appreciate what provided me to make this possible.”
Now in the next phase of her life, Kathleen has discovered a way to give back that also aids her own financial stability - supporting current and future students through her IRA.
“These investments tucked away during working years present a remarkable opportunity in retirement to give generously to my alma mater while reducing my tax burdens. Now that I’m retired, it is such a pleasure to utilize IRA charitable gifts to make a difference for others.”
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IRA giving is not just for those with sizable RMDs; any amount makes a difference. When you are eligible, you can use your IRA to effortlessly help fund students' futures (while providing you with a tax break), just like Kathleen did.
To understand all the gift options that get better with age, call ’s Gift and Estate Planning at 330-672-1000 or email giftplan@kent.edu.
(This information is offered for general informational and educational purposes. You should seek the advice of a professional advisor for applicability to your own situation.)