Building a Legacy for Brown
David Chichester ‘67
"The Brown community’s interests are as diverse as we are.
"Mine, right from the beginning, was sports. I was recruited to play basketball at Brown, but I soon starting playing soccer and was selected co-captain of the team my senior year. Small wonder, then that, since graduation, I have continued along the same vein, serving on the Board of the Sports Foundation and chairing the Friends of Brown’s Men’s Soccer.
"Brown is not the right place for everybody, but it sure was for me. Beyond the academics, the social life, even the athletics, the friendships that were formed—both as an undergraduate and through my many connections with the University—have been far and away the best part of my Brown experience.
I went to the University on a scholarship, and, like a lot of folks, worked part-time as well. Since so many people helped me along the way, it’s really an honor and a privilege to be able to give back in whatever way I can. And, it’s not just monetary philanthropy: it’s interviewing five or six high school seniors every year for the BASC program or getting to know and mentor some of the current students. The energy that I feel every time I come back to campus only cements and enhances the ties that already exist with my alma mater.
"I had not given much thought to establishing a charitable remainder trust, but once I became aware that it was an opportunity to invest in a little sliver of the endowment, I was intrigued. I realized I could diversify my portfolio by becoming part of an extraordinarily diverse portfolio: a good and prudent thing to do. The initial presentation was concise, the documentation straightforward. My attorney reviewed it, and any questions we had received quick and thorough responses.
"The charitable remainder trust also fit my needs because I will have the use of my assets—receiving income from the trust—during my lifetime. With this vehicle, I’m able to give Brown a large gift in the future, but have the satisfaction of doing it now.
"If you get a chance, please visit the campus and observe the wonderful changes made possible by the Campaign for Academic Enrichment. Check out the physical sciences library, the Aldrich-Dexter turf fields, the soccer field, and so much more. Then, if you feel so moved, find your best way to give back."
