1808 Society

MOST ESTATE PLANNING coincides with major life events. Some create plans when getting married, while others are prompted by personal illness or the death of a loved one. For Mary Camille (Schantz) Brown, C’83, estate planning adventures began with a joyous milestone—the 2006 birth of her daughter, Amelia.

Like many expectant and new parents, Camille reflected and planned as she prepared for the arrival of her daughter. As she and her husband, Joe, began to set forth all the necessary information to establish a guardian for their daughter, Camille started to consider all the other things to take care of when she passed. While working with her attorney, Camille began to think about an enduring charitable component to the plan. The Mount was an easy choice! With more than 200 years to its credit it was the right place to leave a legacy.

Camille’s daughter was not only the impetus for creating the estate plan, but is also the inspiration for how Camille’s gift will be used. Through her plans, Camille will establish a scholarship in her daughter’s name. Mount staff will work with Camille during her lifetime to ensure that the vision she has for the scholarship is understood and properly documented in order to meet her vision.

Return visits to the Mount have changed for Camille. For many years she visited campus and attended reunions without her family. Weekends spent reminiscing of days gone by would be overwhelming for her husband and daughter. On her most recent return, she changed her thinking. Wanting her family to experience a bit of the Mount, they accompanied her in 2018. It was a great decision. Camille is hopeful that the next visit they will be bringing their daughter to new student orientation.

“Let’s just say when you say “Mount” I smile. Even when I try to imagine difficult moments I end up smiling because I got so much more from those times than the temporary grief.” By establishing a scholarship in her estate plans, Camille is one of those who will help ensure future Mounties smile when they speak of their time on the mountain.

To help you make your plans, consider using FreeWill, a free and easy to use self-guided software that can help you begin the conversation with your estate professional. Visit freewill.com/msmary.

If you have already named Mount St. Mary’s University, Seminary or National Shrine Grotto in your estate plans, we hope you will let us know so that we may thank you! If you would like more information about how to leave the Mount in your plans, please let us know.

This information has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Office of Development 301-447-5916 development@msmary.edu