Finn Legacy Society

Create a Lasting Legacy at St. Thomas

Everyone who provides for the future of St. Thomas through their will, beneficiary designation or other planned gift is welcomed into the Finn Legacy Society.

In the 1880s, William and Elizabeth Finn made the first estate gift to Archbishop John Ireland to help establish a college that would eventually become the University of St. Thomas. Since then, the university has been blessed with bequests and planned gifts from more than 800 benefactors who followed in the Finns' footsteps.

These special gifts are essential to maintaining a strong endowment and the solid, long-term support that will ensure St. Thomas continues to educate students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.

Benefits of Joining the Finn Legacy Society

When you join the Finn Legacy Society, you are making a powerful statement about how much you value the mission of St. Thomas and your desire to support the education of future Tommies. Your legacy becomes an inspiration and encourages others to think about their own potential to make a difference.

By including St. Thomas in your estate plans, you might also enjoy significant tax savings! Whether it's a future gift through your estate or an immediate gift that returns income to you or a family member, there are many smart ways to maximize your impact at St. Thomas.

Benefits and Recognition for Finn Legacy Society Members

In addition to the satisfaction of making a difference for future Tommies, Finn Legacy Society members enjoy access to special events throughout the year, including our annual Christmas Concert and social gatherings just for Finn members. Members are also listed on the Finn Legacy Society honor roll at the entrance to James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall in the Anderson Student Center.

How to Join the Finn Legacy Society

Becoming a Finn Legacy Society member is easy – simply let us know that you are interested in including St. Thomas in your estate plans or have already included St. Thomas as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement plans or through other arrangements, such as gift annuities, real estate, stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other assets.

Our confidential Legacy Planning Form ensures that your future gift is directed as you intend. We invite you to complete the information to your comfort level.

Your specific intentions will always be confidential, and only your name will be made public on the Finn Legacy Society honor roll published each year, unless you request to remain anonymous. You'll be in the good company of others who have made the same commitment to support the mission of St. Thomas!

For further information and assistance in completing the Legacy Planning Form, please contact Director of Legacy Giving Jennifer O'Brien.

Hear from Our Finn Members

It’s unfortunate when you hear about students struggling to find jobs after graduation. St. Thomas excels at preparing students to jump right in to the real world and start building their careers. This is a special and unique value proposition that I see at St. Thomas, and I want to embrace it beyond my lifetime to help future generations.

Nick Halvorson ’01

Hear from Our Finn Members

We give because our education is what started us off so well, not just academically, but socially and spiritually, and we want that to continue for others. While the St. Thomas campus has changed physically over the years, it still has that warm, comfortable feeling and emphasis on the common good that has had such an impact on us.

Kris and Jim ’71 Smith