Horizon Society: CRCDS benefactor of generous $1M gift “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” — N e l s o n H e n d e r s o n Steven Price (CRCDS ’91) and Norman Geil believe in “growing the good work” in every sense of the word. Norman, a former environmental attorney, and Steven, a pastor at Community Christian Church in Chili, NY and Director of Service Excellence at Rochester’s Trillium Health, traversed very different career paths. Both, however, possess the same intrinsic belief in Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and its reputation as a place where “transformation happens.” When their financial planner contacted them Steven, a tap dancer for over 20 years, belongs to Oasis about updating their Tappers, and at age 50, dances alongside its oldest wills, they made a “very member, age 96. An accomplished singer, he’s perintentional decision” to formed with the Rochettes at the David Hochstein gift a $1M life insurance Memorial Music School, The School of the Arts, and policy to CRCDS to Christ Church, all in Rochester. Now retired, Norman support its mission of occasionally audits courses at CRCDS. He has served as preparing transformative treasurer at Christ Church in Rochester for the past seven leaders who are pasyears and is committed to toral, prophetic and Norman Geil and Steven Price staying physically fit through a learned. Although many Brodie and Gracie healthy exercise routine. people assume that Steven and Norman’s are not planned giving is comonly dear friends of the school. plicated, Norman says, “It really was very easy. Because of They are also neighbors! Just the way the policy is structured, the overall cost of the gift is one street—and one hill—over reduced and in this way, the dollars are used more strategifrom the CRCDS campus, you cally. Monies are leveraged about five times more through will find them both with the this joint policy, as opposed to a single-insured policy.” other loves of their lives—an Irish terrier named Brodie and a Steven and Norman’s generosity extends beyond the gift of the basset hound named Gracie. actual policy itself. While CRCDS retains full ownership of the CRCDS is grateful for the generosity and friendship of Steven policy and thus, must pay the annual premium, Steven and and Norman and thankful to have them as members of the Norman decided to donate an annual amount to the school CRCDS family. Together, they are making a difference in the that is equal to the annual premium, for which they receive a legacy of CRCDS, helping to ensure its success in the many tax deduction. The policy itself will be fully paid up in ten years to come. years. “It’s a win-win” for CRCDS and for them, says Norman. The couple view their financial investment as a tangible way to support CRCDS’ commitment to the biblical mandate for justice and mercy and its mission of training leaders who confidently speak truth to power. They say, “It’s important for both of us to have a beacon to support what we feel is right.” For them, and for many others, CRCDS is that beacon. Both Steven and Norman have adapted or surrendered hectic corporate lives in order to participate more fully in meaningful spiritual, community and creative pursuits.
W h at i s Yo u r L e g a c y ? What is your legacy? Take care of yourself and help take care of CRCDS. For more information on how you can help us grow, contact Tom McDade Clay, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (585) 340-9648 or email tmcdadeclay@crcds.edu.
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