FRIENDS SUPPORTING EXCELLENCE AT NOLS | A PUBLICATION OF THE NOLS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE | JAN 2024
NOLS IS STEPPING INTO THE FUTURE WITH NEW PRESIDENT By Kelli Lusk, Communications Director
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andy Colhoun was named the seventh president of the National Outdoor leadership School on Oct. 5, 2023. Sandy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the school’s mission to this role, having served as the Interim President for the previous eight months. Sandy was awarded the position after a lengthy and highly competitive search process which included experts in outdoor education, leadership, the sciences, a university president and a dean, writers, Mount Everest climbers, teachers, and senior business leaders. Sandy was ultimately selected and unanimously elected by the NOLS Board of Trustees and he immediately moved into the role upon completion of the vote. “With a strategic mindset and a keen ability to assess operations and bring clarity to the school’s complex finances, Sandy met and exceeded these critical requirements,” stated N. Stuart Harris, NOLS Board of Trustees Chairperson. “Sandy has also shown an abid- Sandy Colhoun was named President of the school in October. Sandy is a Wind River Mountaineering course graduate and longtime supporter of NOLS. Ruby Jean Photography ing commitment to DEI, recognizing that the NOLS mission benefits from building a warm, unwavering commitment to NOLS, was the ous selection process, especially with such inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community.” best person to lead the school at this moment a diverse and talented pool of candidates. As The presidential search committee co- in its history. In addition, the search commit- interim president, Sandy exhibited a strength chairs, Jane Fried and Danielle Dignan, also tee, through executive search firm Spencer of character and a focus on the mission that shared their sentiments about the competi- Stuart, met many admirers of the school who he will carry into his presidency. The future tive nature of the selection process and echoed have a vested interest in our success and who of NOLS is bright.” their support for Colhoun as the new president are eager to help us extend our reach to more Before joining NOLS as the Interim of NOLS. students and institutions.” President in February 2023, Sandy was “It’s natural to focus on the appointment as Danielle further emphasized the choice the chief campaign officer at Colby College, the outcome of the search,” emphasized Jane. of Colhoun as the new president by stating, responsible for leading the college’s $750 mil“In this case, Sandy Colhoun, with his energy, “We are thrilled to welcome Sandy as the new CONTINUED ON PG. 4 humanity, leadership in higher education, and NOLS President. It was a tough and rigor-
“Sandy’s love for the school is palpable. He loves spending time outdoors with his wife, Selina, and children, Eloise and Stuart. We could not ask for a more devoted leader, dedicated to the success of our mission.” —N. Stuart Harris, MD NOLS Board of Trustees, Chair
FRIENDS IS FOR PEOPLE COMMITTED TO HELPING NOLS PROVIDE THE WORLD’S BEST EDUCATION IN WILDERNESS SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP. This newsletter aims to provide useful and interesting information on charitable gift planning and supporters of the school. NOLS is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory services. State laws govern wills, trusts, and many charitable gifts, and these laws vary from state to state. While NOLS welcomes and encourages inquiries about the material in this publication, individuals should consult with their professional advisors when planning their wills or deferred gifts.
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Michael Lans
BEQUESTS: THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE A PLANNED GIFT TO NOLS
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hy do people give to NOLS? There are as many answers to that question as there are people. But, when asked, most people say their gift was motivated by a belief in the school’s mission, a desire to preserve wilderness, a commitment to creating opportunities for others in wilderness and leadership education, or an interest in NOLS’ past and future achievements. No matter the reason, most people want to stretch their assets to do the most good for the most people. That’s where a charitable bequest comes into play. Charitable bequests—gifts of assets left in your will to a charity or nonprofit organization like NOLS—are among the easiest ways to give while allowing you to mesh your philanthropic goals with personal and family financial obligations. Sometimes, a few sentences in your will or living trust is all it takes to spell out your wishes. Beside ease, there are tax advantages to a bequest. Gifts left to nonprofits in your will are 100-percent tax deductible, meaning a bequest will save your estate money. The more assets you leave to charity, the more you can save on estate taxes, within limits.
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In return, those savings allow your heirs to receive a higher percentage of your inheritance than would have been possible if you didn’t make a gift. In some cases, bequeathed gifts to nonprofits may eliminate estate taxes entirely. A bequest also may allow you to make a larger gift then you could have during your lifetime. Since your gift doesn’t pass to NOLS until after your will is executed, bequests are a good way to make a generous donation without investing a large amount of capital up front.
How to begin The first step in making a charitable bequest is creating or updating your will. Many of us put it off, but making a will is the only way to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and not the state’s. If you feel you’re too young or your income is too modest to bother with a will, know that if you have assets—a house or other real estate, a car, a retirement plan, or a life insurance policy—mapping out a plan for their distribution is worth your time. Creating a will is also a good way to start a conversation with your loved ones about the legacy you hope to leave after your death.
Which type of bequest is right for me? You have several options when leaving a gift to NOLS in your will. You can leave a specific amount of capital—cash, securities, life insurance policies, and real or personal properties— or you can leave a percentage of your estate. Leaving a percentage of your estate is usually a more predictable option since the value of an estate can fluctuate over time. Other options include residuary gifts, where assets are designated to a charity only after family and heirs are provided for, and contingency gifts, where the nonprofit is named a secondary or final contingent beneficiary.
Understanding Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts NOLS accepts both unrestricted and restricted gifts. Unrestricted bequests allow you to designate a gift for the school’s general use. These are easy to make and give NOLS the opportunity to put money where it’s needed most. Sometimes, donors prefer to designate a gift for a specific use, like for scholarships. We recommend anyone interested in a restricted bequest contact the NOLS Development office first to be sure the gift is one we can put to use.
INSIDER NEWS
WITH $4 MILLION IN NEW GIFTS, NOLS LAUNCHES MATCH CHALLENGE
Plan ahead and prepare! Regardless of your stage in life, charitable bequests are a simple way for you to demonstrate your values while protecting your family’s financial future. The key, of course, is planning. Staff members in the NOLS Advancement office are happy to answer questions or provide more information about these, or any plannedgiving options. With foresight and planning, your gift can have a meaningful impact on students whose lives will be shaped by a NOLS course. For more information about making a legacy gift, or to let us know you’ve left NOLS in your will, contact us at development@nols.edu or 800-332-4280. In all cases, a financial advisor can help you determine the right gift for you. ©Winton C. Smith, Jr.
NOLS is thrilled to announce that three anonymous donors have committed a total of $4 million dollars to the school. Together, these commitments create a $4 Million Donor Match Challenge to inspire even greater philanthropy. Every dollar donated during the challenge period will be matched, doubling donor impact. This exciting initiative aims to engage donors and inspire them to contribute to NOLS’ mission to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. The NOLS community, which includes staff, students, trustees, and alumni, is committed to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. NOLS has been at the forefront of outdoor education since 1965, offering transformative wilderness courses and programs to students of all ages. Our curriculum focuses on leadership development, outdoor skills, environmental stewardship, wilderness medicine, and risk management. By participating in the $4 Million Donor Match Challenge, supporters can help ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from NOLS’ exceptional educational experiences. “We are grateful to have the support of our generous donors who recognize
the value of a NOLS education by shaping resilient and responsible leaders,” said Sandy Colhoun, President of NOLS. “With the $4 Million Donor Match Challenge, we hope to inspire even more individuals and organizations to contribute to our mission and to help create a positive impact on the future of NOLS. “ NOLS has always valued partnerships and collaborations; this $4 Million Donor Match Challenge is no exception. By joining forces with NOLS in this fundraising initiative, donors can align themselves with a respected school dedicated to fostering a love for the outdoors, building leadership skills, and promoting environmental sustainability. “We are thrilled to support NOLS at this critical juncture in the school’s history,” said one anonymous donor. “The school’s mission, to elevate the leader in everyone, has never been more important. We are also excited to leverage our support, find new donors, and inspire old friends.” The $4 Million Donor Match Challenge will continue until the $4 million match has been met. Contributions can be made online or by mail: NOLS, 284 Lincoln St., Lander, WY 82520
SUMMIT TEAM
WHAT IS THE NOLS SUMMIT TEAM? The Summit Team is NOLS’ recognition society for legacy donors. This prestigious group of supporters is dedicated to the long-term success of the NOLS mission. Established in 1999, it honors those who have made supporting wilderness education a top priority. By including NOLS in their estate plans, Summit Team members demonstrate their commitment to creating a strong future for the school. The generosity and foresight of the Summit Team ensures that generations of students will be able to experience the immeasurable rewards of a NOLS education. Presently, the NOLS Summit Team has 185 members who have chosen to name NOLS a beneficiary of their estate plan. For many of them, a planned gift
conveys a powerful message. It’s a testament to the last 53 years of the school, a demonstration of their strong belief in the power of a NOLS education, and the value of positive, ethical leaders. As the tax year comes to a close, a planned gift may be beneficial to you. By leaving NOLS in your estate plans, you may be eligible for a charitable incometax deduction on this year’s taxes or avoid estate and capital gains taxes for you and your heirs. You must donate by Dec. 31 to gain tax benefits for this year. Find out how you can help ensure the future of NOLS, leave a legacy and benefit your heirs. Call 800-332-4280, email us at development@nols.edu, or see www.nols.edu/ giving for more information about planned giving at NOLS.
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INSIDER NEWS
LINDSAY YOST TURNER NAMED DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING NOLS is thrilled to announce that Lindsay (Yost) Turner has been named Director of Annual Giving. Lindsay first came to NOLS as a participant on a Rocky Mountain Instructor Course in 2008. From then on, she found herself most at home camping and traveling on snow. Her commitment to leading NOLS expeditions from 2008-2018 provided her the incredible opportunity to explore a wide variety of wilderness classrooms and NOLS campuses around the world. Additionally, from its inception in 2011, Lindsay was involved with the growth and development of the NOLS Northeast campus, where she was the director until 2018. After a few years away from NOLS working for a local community foundation, Lindsay returned to NOLS in 2021 as a Development Officer on the east coast.
She grew up spending summers on the shores of Lake Placid, which instilled a deep love for the Adirondacks, a passion she shares with others and a place she now calls home. Lindsay lives in and works from Saranac Lake, New York with her husband Ryan, their son Jack, and daughter Olivia.
SANDY COLHOUN, PRESIDENT CONTINUED
lion campaign, the most extensive campaign in liberal arts college history when it was launched. In addition, he has directed scores of campaigns, raising nearly $1 billion for nonprofit organizations. Before his fundraising experience, he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Antarctic Sun based in McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and a staff reporter for the Christian Science Monitor. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Colby College and his Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Sandy is a NOLS Wind River Mountaineering graduate. He will continue his work with a mission to inspire and teach leadership and wilderness skills at a time when people
are increasingly seeking opportunities for personal growth, adventure, and the preservation of our natural world. In his new role, Colhoun will provide strategic leadership to NOLS and continue its legacy of educating and empowering individuals through wilderness experiences and wilderness medicine. “Being elected to serve as the president of the world’s preeminent leadership organization is humbling,” said Colhoun. “In the weeks and years ahead, I will look forward to partnering with the community to ensure that our school continues to thrive, that our impact grows and scales to serve evermore students, and that together, we help make our students’ lives and the world a better place.”
MAKE YOUR LEGACY GO FURTHER Your legacy can support NOLS not just today but for years to come. Many of our supporters have included a gift to NOLS in their estate plans to make a lasting impact at no cost today. To create your legacy, we invite you to use FreeWill: an online estate planning tool that makes it 100% free to write your will and designate NOLS as a beneficiary of your legacy. Create your legacy here.
NOLS | 284 Lincoln Street, Lander WY 82520 | 800.332.4280 Anne McGowan, Editor. To subscribe, contact: NOLS Development development@nols.edu | 307.335.2273. The Friends Newsletter is printed on 30%-PCW FSC-certified paper.
MEET CATE WOOD
NOLS Associate Advancement Director for the Western United States Associate Advancement Director Cate Wood joined the NOLS Advancement team in November 2021. The Californiabased fundraising professional lives just outside of Lake Tahoe in Truckee, working with donors and alumni along the West Coast. She brings fundraising experience from two other institutions of higher education. Cate, who became familiar with NOLS through her brother’s experience on an Idaho Adventure course, took her first course in Alaska in 2022. She calls herself “a huge Dodgers fan” who is obsessed with her golden retriever pup, Mookie. In her position, Cate looks forward to continuing to help get more students in the outdoors. “I am most excited to work with NOLS grads, partnering with them to continue building on the greatness of the programs at NOLS,” she said.
Have you named NOLS in your will? Let us know! Contact us to share your plans or to learn more about NOLS’ Planned Giving options. See details on our website at www.nols.edu/planned-giving/ or call the NOLS Development office at 800-332-4280.
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