Estate-Plan Giving with a Bequest:
Mary Denson ’71 Will Support Future Students with Legacy Gift

Mary (Weissenburger) Denson’s father was in the military, so she grew up in many places—including nine U.S. states, Germany, and France. When Mary was in high school, a family friend suggested a visit to Dominican. Mary was charmed by the school setting as well as its reputation and decided to apply.

“Besides receiving a fabulous education, I gained lifelong friends,” she says. “I also achieved education credentials for both elementary and high school, which led to a career in elementary and middle school education.”

In addition to her longtime annual giving, Mary has also included the university in her estate plan with a bequest from her trust. When she and her husband of 52 years, Bill, created their trust, they decided together what institutions they wanted to support with a future gift—and Mary decided on Dominican University.

“I believe that Dominican gives to all students a sense of family, of community,” Mary says. “My family believes in community and service—military, Scouts, and church. I’ve learned that friendship is most important, and friends I made at Dominican remain friends 50+ years later. I believe in giving back, and, therefore, contributing to Dominican is one way to say thank you.”

Mary received both an honor scholarship and a work grant to help with college expenses. She hopes her gift will provide support for other students as they pursue a Dominican education.

As a student Mary was involved with the Women’s Athletic Association and a variety of publications. After graduating, she served on the board of directors for a few years. She has also helped with the duties of class secretary, which included arranging the Class of 1971 reunions.

Mary encourages others to consider the legacies they could leave to help future Penguins. “The Dominican family is worth supporting because students are given the opportunity to feel a part of a community,” she concludes. “As an educator, I feel we should support nurturing leadership skills and the educational growth of the next generation.”