Leaving a Legacy

Keith (’74 BBA, Finance) and Jo Krop are avid UTA Athletics fans, often attending games to root on their beloved Mavs.

“We want to encourage those talented student-athletes we are blessed to watch on a regular basis,” says Keith. “Practicing, playing games, traveling, and keeping up with an academic load is akin to having a full-time job.”

The couple wanted to make the most of their retirement while pursuing their passions and supporting the causes they care about. To optimize their philanthropy, Jo began directing her individual retirement account (IRA) required minimum distributions to UTA to benefit the Maverick Club.

“Using Jo’s IRA distribution to support student-athletes is our way of showing appreciation,” Keith says. “Giving directly from your IRA to UTA is the best way to save on taxes and get the satisfaction of helping deserving students and the University we love.”

Diane Cheatham also understands the benefit of giving through her IRA.

When UTA architecture Professor of Practice Kevin Sloan passed away in October 2021, friends and colleagues created the Kevin Sloan Scholarship Endowment to celebrate his life. Cheatham, a friend and longtime client of Sloan’s landscape architecture business, gave $25,000 through an IRA distribution to help fully endow the fund.

“It is my honor to do something for someone I loved dearly,” Cheatham says. “Making a gift through an IRA distribution was tax beneficial and helps ensure my friend’s legacy while supporting UTA students.”

IRAs can now be used to create a one-time life income plan, such as a charitable gift annuity, without being taxed. To learn more about giving through your IRA or other planned giving options, visit uta.giftlegacy.com or contact 817‑272‑2344 or giftandestateplanning@exchange.uta.edu.