• Preparing for the unknown future

    alison byerly

    Carleton’s founders, in 1866, likely never imagined that the tiny Minnesota college they created would one day be celebrated as a national leader in liberal arts education. The complex global issues tackled by our students, such as artificial intelligence or climate change, would have been equally unimaginable. 

    But however they envisioned the College’s future, they went to great lengths to protect it (as did Northfielders—as you will see if you read the Joseph Lee Heywood story below!). 

    We, too, can’t know what Carleton students will study 25, 50, or 100 years from now. But thanks to the generosity of Joseph Lee Heywood Society members like you, we do know that however the world changes, Carleton will be uniquely positioned to bring together brilliant students and dedicated faculty members to explore what every liberal arts discipline has to offer and develop the skills and qualities needed to confront the world’s challenges.  

    Thank you for being one of 2,430 alumni, parents, and friends of Carleton who recognize the importance of safeguarding the College’s future. Your generosity will keep academic excellence at the heart of Carleton for generations to come.

    Many thanks!

    alison byerly signature
    Alison Byerly P ’15
    President

  • Thank you!


    Students say thank you to the donors who positively impact their Carleton experiences.

  • ‘It’s our turn now’

    joseph lee heywoodSeptember 7, 1876, may have started like any other day for Joseph Lee Heywood, bank clerk at First National Bank in Northfield.

    Then Jesse James rode in.

    James and his gang demanded Heywood open the bank vault. Inside lay the savings of many of the townspeople—along with all the liquid assets of the young Carleton College.

    Heywood refused. The James gang shot and killed him.

    It’s a story that strikes a powerful chord with Jim Bonhivert ’74.

    “He sacrificed his life to protect the future of Carleton,” Jim said. “He did this in service to others.”

    And this is the point all Carleton alumni should be thinking about doing as well, Jim says: helping protect the college that so deeply enriched the lives of all Carls.

  • Keeping community alive

    When Kathryn Horvat ’60 wanted to major in chemistry, social pressures on women in the late 1950s pushed her to change course. Kathryn had always wanted to be a scientist, says her son Steve Horvat, but she opted instead for a history degree, eventually earning an MBA from Roosevelt University. Over the years, Kathryn worked as a consulting systems analyst, a contract programmer and analyst, and an information systems specialist.

    All the while, Kathryn held Carleton close to her heart as a dedicated alumna. She donated to the College for more than 30 years, frequently attended Reunion, and helped plan her class’s milestone 50th Reunion. In addition to volunteering, Kathryn joined the Joseph Lee Heywood Society by establishing a will provision to benefit the College.

    “I really think that this became somewhat a part of her identity,” Esther Blaskovich, Kathryn’s daughter, said. “[Carleton] became the first place she felt she belonged.”

  • Three ways to make a charitable gift from an IRA

    Giving retirement-plan assets to Carleton can be a tax-wise way to make a gift. Consider these three easy options:

    • Make an outright gift by QCD
      If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to make a gift directly to Carleton from your IRA and pay no income taxes. The maximum QCD allowed in 2025 is $108,000. In addition, if you’re 73 or older, a QCD can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

    • Name Carleton as a beneficiary of your IRA
      By naming Carleton as a beneficiary of your IRA, you retain access to your IRA during your lifetime, and all or a percentage of the funds that remain in your IRA come to Carleton after death. Carleton is not subject to income tax for gifts of retirement assets after death because the College is tax exempt. However, when children are named as beneficiaries of traditional IRA funds, they must pay income tax on the distributions, so it may be advantageous to make your family gifts from other assets (such as life insurance, stocks, or real estate).

    • Fund a Charitable Gift Annuity with a QCD
      If you’re 70½ or older, you can use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to fund an immediate Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). You’ll gain the security of a fixed, guaranteed income for life in addition to supporting the College. The IRS currently limits the distribution to one year only and up to $54,000, but if you and your spouse are both 70½ or older, you can each contribute $54,000 from your respective IRAs.

    Each of these options offers unique advantages, and if you would like to learn more, please contact the Office of Planned Giving.

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