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National
Make-A-Will
Month

George Mason statue on the Roger Wilkins plaza on the Fairfax Campus.

A simple step today. A lasting impact tomorrow.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, an annual reminder to review your estate plans (or get started creating a plan) and ensure they reflect your current circumstances and wishes. Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, taking this step can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Many Americans either do not have an estate plan or have documents that no longer align with their goals.

A will allows you to direct how your assets will be distributed, provide for family and loved ones, and support the causes and institutions that have been meaningful throughout your life. It is one of the most important tools for ensuring your values and intentions are carried forward.

If you have questions about planned giving or would like to discuss your options, contact the team at [email protected].

Why Having a Will Matters

Creating a will is an important part of planning for the future. It gives you the opportunity to make thoughtful decisions about the people and causes you care about most while ensuring your wishes are documented. A will can help provide for loved ones and establish a lasting legacy that reflects your values.

Many members of the George Mason University community have chosen to include the university in their estate plans through a charitable bequest. A gift through your will or living trust can support students, programs, research, or other areas of George Mason that are meaningful to you while leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

Planning Today, Impacting Tomorrow

The decision to create a planned gift is deeply personal. Learn how members of the George Mason community have incorporated philanthropy into their estate plans and chosen to support future generations through their legacy.

  • Chris Coneeney seated at a table with a microphone.

    Chris Coneeney leaves a legacy of support for the swim and dive program by designating George Mason University as the beneficiary of a retirement plan asset

    “It made me think about how I could use my resources to help others.”

    Read More
  • Cathy Lemmon

    Cathy Lemmon’s Estate-Plan Gift Will Help Empower Future George Mason Students

    “When I decided to make a gift to the university through my estate plan, it was an opportunity for me to think about what I wanted my philanthropic legacy to be.”

    Read More
  • Brian Drummond

    Brian C. Drummond Celebrates Family Legacy Through Planned Giving

     The scholarship honors the legacy of Drummond’s parents, Anne and Glen Drummond, who proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

    Read More
  • Patricia Latchford Haresign and David Haresign

    Patricia and David Haresign Create Bequest to Support Future Student and University Success

    “I want to leave [the bequest] broad enough to support student scholarships or a new program that will enhance the School of Nursing or support a faculty member … to continue to prepare competent nurses.”

    Read More

The Legacy Society

It is a great honor and privilege to recognize individuals who have included George Mason in their long-term financial or estate plans. Planned gifts, at all giving levels, can be structured to support any school, college, program, or area that is meaningful to the donor.

Those who notify the university that they have included George Mason in their will, trust, or other planned gift are welcomed into the Legacy Society. Through their generosity and foresight, Legacy Society members help ensure that future generations of students, faculty, and researchers have the resources they need to thrive.

Start the Conversation

Interested in creating or updating your will? Contact the Planned Giving team to learn more about estate planning and the many ways you can create a lasting legacy at George Mason.