Nancy Rieger '83

"I began volunteering at Barnard as a fundraiser and organizer of class Reunions. These experiences continuously remind me why I chose Barnard—I wanted to attend a world-class women's college. To this day, I feel an instant connection with anyone who attended Barnard. It's a special place that I want to support now, and in the future. My father taught me the importance of giving back. I worked for him from 1996 until 2003 and every November he invited me to have a conversation about year-end distributions for employee bonuses and charities. I was always inspired by the amount he set aside for philanthropy. His example gave me a sense of responsibility, as well as an understanding of the value of generosity.

There is a common misconception that planned gifts are only for people who are over 55, those who can donate at high levels, etc. That is not the case! I joined the Athena Society when I was in my 40s by putting the College in my will at a level that suited my financial situation at the time—a time when I was single and had much less in savings, and I was making some big decisions about my career and life. Reframing my long-term personal and financial goals gave me an opportunity to make giving to Barnard one of them. As new, difficult, global challenges emerged in 2020, I was glad that I had a plan in place that covered my family and the causes I hold close to my heart. Right now, I wish for everyone's good health and hope so that we can come together to support the people and causes that we care about, especially Barnard."

—Nancy O. Rieger '83