On April 12, 2023, thousands of Broncos far and wide will show their love for Western Michigan University and unite to harness the power of giving for WMU Giving Day!
Donors and alums like David Lyth (M.S. ′79) make a big difference in the lives of our students and the strength of our University. A professor of engineering management at WMU for 33 years, David’s favorite thing about teaching was watching the light bulb go off for his students.
“I was impressed by their practicality, hands-on attitude and work ethic,” he said. “They were personable, good communicators and always able to complete a task—sometimes in a very innovative way.”
David continues to support students and faculty in WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences in a variety of ways through qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). A QCD is a direct gift from an IRA that not only benefits current and future Broncos, but also offers tax advantages. If you’re over 70½, this is one of the most tax efficient ways to make an annual gift. (So, that’s a win-win for David and for WMU!)
By taking advantage of QCDs, David is now funding scholarships for eight undergraduate students and two graduate students, as well as supporting student memberships in the American Society of Engineering Management + a small research stipend for a new faculty member in engineering management who will be joining Western this coming fall. (He and his late wife, Joyce, also set up a scholarship fund for female students studying accounting at Michigan Tech.)
WOW, thank you, David! Read more of his inspiring story here.
To learn more about the value of making a QCD or other planning giving opportunities, visit wmualumni.org/gift-planning.
And remember, you can still make a difference by giving until 11:59 p.m. EDT today (April 12) at wmualumni.org/givingday. No matter the amount or the designation, your gift will have an impact on students at WMU today and for generations to come.