Speaking with Julie Holt for just a few minutes, you immediately notice her Gustie spirit. Her passion for Gustavus is evident in the way she talks about it, and in her choice to name the College as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy. But, Julie isn’t a Gustie graduate. She’s a Gustie parent. Two of her children are Gusties – Jim ’10 and Alisha ’12. “As a family, we often talk about the importance of giving back to those who have helped you.” Gustavus has not only given her children an education, but has been a place they can call home. Julie, a single parent and business owner, can appreciate that her children are in good hands when they leave their home in Savage, Minn. for Gustavus.
Julie’s father was a life insurance agent and taught his family the importance of taking care of the people and things you care about, and that a life insurance policy is a great way to do that. Julie decided to include the College in her future plans after being inspired by an email from Gustavus about giving “today.” “Do I have $100,000 in cash to give today? No. But this is a way for me to give back someday – to give another child the same benefits and opportunities my kids have received at Gustavus.” Julie’s deferred gift will establish an endowed scholarship – just like the ones her children have received during their time here.
Julie credits Gustavus with not only providing Jim and Alisha with a top-notch education, but also with helping them figure out who they are. “They have such a confidence about themselves now – they are so well-versed, and have developed incredible leadership skills thanks to the opportunities they’ve had in the classroom and through extracurriculars.” More importantly, Julie says Jim, who has accepted a position with State Farm Insurance in marketing and sales, and Alisha, who is a biology major and pre-dentistry, feel well-rounded and that they belong to a community – the Gustavus community.
In the end, Julie just wants Gustavus to know that she is appreciative of the difference it has made in the lives of her and her children – so appreciative that she’s chosen to give such a transformational gift to the College.