The Paul Marvin Brown, Jr. Society recognizes those donors who have included Centenary College in their estate plans.

Many people think that estate planning is for the elderly or extremely wealthy, but estate planning is a caring gift for your loved ones after your death. According to the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, fewer than 30% of the population are taking the time to construct a proper estate plan. Without a proper plan in place, decisions regarding your assets will be left to your family or possibly the State.

Louisiana estate planning laws are vastly different from the majority of the United States, and extreme care needs to be taken to ensure that your will or trust is valid. The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana warns, “Nearly all ‘Do-it-yourself’ will kits, software or internet sites contain a disclaimer as to their product’s applicability and success in Louisiana.” While these “Do-it-yourself" kits may be helpful in gathering information for your estate plans, reviewing your will or trust with an attorney will ensure the legality of your last wishes.

In addition to providing for their families, many alumni and other friends of the College have left estate gifts to benefit Centenary. Such a bequest is one way to make a lasting gift that will benefit Centenary in perpetuity. Gifts may be designated for a specific purpose or as unrestricted for use where most needed and also may provide tax or income benefits for you or your heirs. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to Centenary as part of your estate plan.
The Paul Marvin Brown, Jr. Society recognizes those donors who have included Centenary College in their estate plans. No other person has been associated as closely or as long with Centenary’s development as Paul Marvin Brown, Jr. “Mr. Paul” came to Centenary in 1909 when one building—Jackson Hall—served all housing and instructional needs. When he retired in 1965 after serving for twenty-five years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the College reflected a half-century of expansion. Members of the Paul Marvin Brown, Jr. Society ensures the future of the institution that Mr. Paul and others have worked over many years to secure.

For more information regarding end-of-life estate planning, visit www.umf.org. For more information on becoming a member of the Paul Marvin Brown, Jr. Society by including Centenary College in your estate plans, call Fred Landry 318-869-5027.