Seton Hall University recently received a generous planned gift of $1 million from Helen A. Wright and Robert E. “Bob” Wright. This contribution is part of the university’s ambitious $225 million campaign, known as For All, Forever. A significant focus of this initiative is to provide scholarships that help students overcome barriers to education.
Bob, a graduate of the Stillman School of Business, feels a deep appreciation for the university that shaped his career. “Seton Hall was a pivotal moment in my life,” he shares. “It focused my ambitions and helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible.” His wife, Helen, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how natural it feels to give back after such a positive experience.
In 2013, the Wrights initiated the Robert E. Wright Accounting Scholarship to support students at the Stillman School of Business who need financial assistance. This scholarship will continue to benefit students through their estate plans, ensuring support for future generations.
Bob’s career spanned over 43 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, during which he faced fierce competition. “I realized I was competing against alumni from prestigious schools,” he recalls. Yet, he credits his education at Seton Hall with providing him the skills he needed to succeed.
After retiring to Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Bob reflects on his life, noting, “I’ve had amazing opportunities, and it all began at Seton Hall.”
Monsignor Joseph Reilly, the university’s president, highlighted the importance of such donations. “Gifts like Bob and Helen’s help us plan for future success and better serve our students,” he noted.
The Wrights’ planned gift also places them in the Benjamin Savage Society, honoring donors who include the university in their estate plans. Additionally, their gift qualifies for Seton Hall’s Legacy Challenge, which matches newly documented planned gifts. This support is crucial for the RISE Scholarship Program, aiding low-income, first-generation students, and those with disabilities.
Jon Paparsenos, the Vice President of University Advancement, emphasized the dual benefits of planned giving. “It’s a fantastic way to impact current students while establishing a lasting legacy.”
As Bob explains, “I get tax benefits by designating part of my 401(k) to Seton Hall, and it allows me to give back to the school that played such a huge role in my life.” He describes his decision as a source of pride.
This story is a reminder of how education can change lives and how giving back to those opportunities can create a ripple effect for future generations.
For more insights about philanthropy in education, check out this report from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education which discusses trends in alumni giving and scholarship donations.
