Giving Back For Generations To Come

Merri Steinberg Ex (NC ’73) has spent her life helping others give back. During a 45-year career with nonprofit organizations in Chicago, she saw firsthand how charitable gifts can transform institutions and the people they serve. She chose to include Newcomb Institute in her estate plans, helping ensure future generations of students benefit from the same life- changing education she received.

“I was able to save enough money to ensure that philanthropy would be part of my life, including providing bequests for organizations that had an impact on me,” Ex said. “Newcomb had such a big role in my life. I wouldn’t have my husband, my children or my very closest friends without it.”

A native of New York, she chose to attend Newcomb College in search of a distinctive college experience. There, she found rigorous academics, a transformative junior year abroad in Madrid, lifelong friendships and a community that instilled the importance of women’s leadership.

“It was certainly in the DNA of Newcomb that you had a responsibility as a woman to be a leader,” she said. “Newcomb was a demanding experience academically. I think that reinforced the leadership capabilities and the expectations.”

Ex credited those experiences with helping prepare her for a meaningful future. “I had a wonderful, very impactful career, and I think a lot of that had to do with Newcomb and what I learned,” she said.

After decades spent working with charitable organizations, Ex believes planned giving is one of the most meaningful ways alumni can invest in the future.

She also encouraged women to think intentionally about their philanthropy. “Women are going to have the leadership role in philanthropy,” she said. “We need to be thoughtful about where we want to give our money, where the need is and where it can have an impact.”

By sharing your intentions for an estate gift today, you can be recognized for your generosity during your lifetime, help ensure your gift is used according to your wishes, potentially reduce estate taxes and inspire future generations of Tulanians to give.

“I think many of us, if we have the ability and the capacity and the passion, have an obligation to give back,” she said. “To whom much has been given, much is expected.”