b"DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRSGROWING THEIR FAMILYBY DORIAN MARTIN 06W henErika14andChrisestablishment of a bequest that willapparent that it was doable with our Pesek97realizedhavingprovide additional financial supportbudget. Through leading by exam-children was not in the cards forto increase the impact of their cur- ple, the couple wants to do their part them, they committed to helpingrent endowments.in supporting future generations of future generations of Aggies get aAggies. Hopefully, some of these quality education. We consideredThe Peseks joint passion for Texasfunds will give someone a leg up, how we could help other peoplesA&M developed in different ways atChrisadded.Theyllremember kids who are struggling, Erika said. different speeds. Chris older Aggiethe gift and create one in return. siblings inspired him to attend theWe also want to set an example that Their soul searching led the coupleuniversity. Erikawho hails fromindividuals on schoolteacher sala-to establish three gifts through theAustin and earned her undergrad- ries can create meaningful gifts for Texas A&M Foundation. The gen- uate degree from The University ofTexas A&M. esis for the first endowment cameTexas at Austinmet Chris when after the couple provided financialboth were teaching. She soon fell in support for an Aggie who couldntlove with her future husband and afford to return home during thehis beloved Aggie traditions. Erika winter break. Realizing that othereventually became an Aggie herself, Aggies had similar needs, the Peseksearning a masters degree.created a fund to specifically offer financial assistance during holidaysThe couple began budgeting early or in times of crisis.in their marriage to provide finan- BEHIND THE GIFTcialsupporttoworthycauses. The next item on their philanthropicThey were pleasantly surprised to list involved establishing a scholar- learn that creating an endowmentThe Peseks' current gifts allow ship for veterans and their spouses.through the Foundation was feasi- them to see their impact, while This fund honors their respectiveble, even on their combined teacher familymemberswhoservedinsalaries and while paying for Eri- their planned gift enables them the military. kas graduate studies. We realizedto substantially increase that that while an endowment is a min-Recently,thecouplefocusedonimum of $25,000, you can createimpact after their lifetimes.estate planning after Erikas grand- onebyspreadingpaymentsover mother died. That process led to thefive years, Erika said. It became 22 | TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION|OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING"