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Making a planned gift is a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for George Mason University and its mission while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate-planning, and philanthropic goals.
Thomas Gardner Supports George Mason’s Future with Bequest Through His Revocable Trust
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Thomas Gardner, BS ’89, grew up in nearby Alexandria and chose George Mason University because it was a local school. Although his educational path was nontraditional, his BS degree in business from Mason significantly expanded his opportunities for a successful career.
To continue their support for future generations, Thomas and his wife of 30 years, Marianne Meagher, have arranged a bequest to George Mason in their revocable trust. “We believe in giving back to the community, and this is one way to do so in a significant way,” he says. “The trust was a flexible way to manage how we want our estates handled.”
After attending George Mason from 1975 to 1977, Gardner says he wasn’t ready for college and dropped out. “I then worked full time for the local power company for nine years. Through promotions, I was able to achieve a position that normally required a degree.” He also attended Northern Virginia Community College at night and received an AAS in business management.
Realizing that an associate degree wasn’t going to be enough for higher-end positions, Gardner quit his job and reenrolled in George Mason. “The School of Business was very helpful in that process and determining which classes I needed to finish the degree I started previously,” he says. “I attended full time for four straight semesters, achieving my degree in January 1989.”
Now living in Arlington, Marianne enjoys a 30-year career in commercial and Federal technology sales, and Thomas has recently retired after 50 years in engineering and project management. They hope others will be inspired to leave their legacy of support for future George Mason students.
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