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Alumnus Bret Goodman on his lifelong commitment to UW Oshkosh

by | Jul 26, 2022 | Alumni News, Headlines, Titan Magazine

When alumnus Bret Goodman of Mequon chose the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for his college education, he made a choice for life.

The 1971 marketing grad considers his relationship with UW Oshkosh to be ongoing and reciprocal. The University was instrumental to his personal and professional development; he is committed to giving back to his alma mater with both service and financial support.

Goodman shares his Titan pride in his own words:

The college years

My four years at UWO were the best ever. Academically, I converted from a poor high school student into a solid academic largely due to wonderful teachers and the College of Business Dean Clifford Larson, who took an interest in me and encouraged me to succeed. Interestingly, I was lost in a high school of 2,000, yet was found in a University of 10,000. Like so many students, I enjoyed the expanded circle of friends/classmates and absolutely loved spending time in the union socializing. I went from a follower in high school to a leader at UWO. Rounding out my experiences were three years on the swim team.

Bret Goodman

Supporting what you believe in

I believe that, to a certain extent, both financial and time contributions were ingrained in me based on how I was brought up. My dad has always given back both financially and with his time. I also feel that I was fortunate to have my education paid for by my parents. Yet I saw, first hand, how challenging it can be for students who pay their own way by working their way through school and/or being saddled with debt. I have been motivated to do something to provide financial support, allowing good students to focus more on their studies and related activities in order to help lighten their financial load.

In addition to financial contributions, I spent six years on the UWO Alumni Board. I wasn’t one to just attend meetings; I was interested in making a contribution. I worked diligently to develop strategies that would engage our alumni. Engagement is critical to fundraising and positive word of mouth geared toward attracting enrollment.

A plan for giving

For those alumni who believe that their UWO experience contributed to putting them in a better place, think about how wonderful it would be to give back and be part of UWO’s future as a leading educational institution. Add to that, I don’t think there is a better gift than helping others gain the kind of rewarding UWO experience that they realized. As Goodman has found, there are many ways to share your UWO pride and leave a legacy to UW Oshkosh. For additional information on gift planning or gift designation, contact the UW Oshkosh Foundation at uwosh.edu/foundation or (920) 424-2178. We will be happy to assist you and your attorney in developing a bequest that best suits your needs and interests.

Planned Giving Opportunities

WILLS AND LIVING TRUSTS: A simple way to support the Foundation for years to come is through a charitable bequest. You can direct a specific amount of money or a percentage of your total estate as an unrestricted gift to be used where it’s needed most or designated to the purpose of your choice. This type of gift allows you the flexibility to change your mind at any time and your estate to benefit from a charitable estate tax deduction.

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS: By naming the Foundation as a beneficiary on your retirement plans or life insurance policies, you support UWO’s mission even after your lifetime. You simply fill out a form from your policyholder naming the Foundation as your beneficiary. Not only is it an easy way to give, but it’s also flexible—you can review and adjust beneficiary designations any time you want.

MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS: If you have a loved one whose life has been touched by UWO, consider making a memorial or tribute gift in their name. This type of gift is a lasting tribute to your loved one and supports the Foundation’s mission.

ROSE LEGACY SOCIETY: Alumni and friends who establish a living legacy with a planned gift to benefit the Foundation are recognized as members of the Rose Legacy Society. The society is named after Rose C. Swart, a true leader in education who served on the Oshkosh Normal School faculty for 51 years. If you have named the Foundation as the beneficiary of a bequest, insurance policy or other planned gift, we welcome you as a member.

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