Since its founding, Fayetteville State University has been shaped by the generosity of alumni and friends. The leadership and commitment of donors are essential to the university's continued success, and recognizing those who give back remains a top priority. Historically, acknowledging planned gifts has been challenging, as these contributions often remain unknown to the university until after the donor's passing. To honor and celebrate individuals who make planned gifts during their lifetime, FSU established the Bronco Legacy Circle?a program dedicated to expressing gratitude and fostering awareness of the impact of legacy giving.

Private donations play a critical role in FSU's financial sustainability, especially as state funding continues to decline. Planned giving provides long-term stability while allowing donors to align their contributions with personal philanthropic goals and maximize tax benefits.

In the last documented fiscal year, nearly 84% of individual donations to charitable organizations, including universities, came from planned or deferred gifts. At Fayetteville State, private gifts have historically accounted for less than 2% of funding. By raising awareness of the importance of planned giving, FSU aims to inspire more alumni and friends to contribute and become part of the Bronco Legacy Circle.

The Bronco Legacy Circle

The Bronco Legacy Circle comprises two distinct honorary societies:

• The C.I. Brown Club, named after the late C.I. Brown, a dedicated professor in FSU's Education Department for over 30 years who generously left a bequest to FSU in his will. Membership in this club is extended to those who make their planned gift in the form of cash, a bequest, or other deferred giving programs.

• The Katie C. Forshee Club, named in honor of the late Katie C. Forshee, a lifelong educator who taught History and Political Science at FSU and left personal property to the university. Members of this club have made gifts of real estate, personal property, or other non-cash assets through a will or another deferred giving program.

Planned gifts provide an opportunity for those who may not have immediate cash to give but wish to support FSU in other ways. Contributions can be made through appreciated stock, real estate, charitable lead and remainder trusts, annuities, naming FSU as a beneficiary of life insurance policies, IRA or other investments, or a designated bequest in a will.

Many generous supporters include FSU in their estate plans without notifying the university, which means we miss the chance to express our gratitude and properly recognize their commitment. By informing FSU of their planned gift, donors ensure their legacy is honored while inspiring others to invest in the university's future.

Joining the Bronco Legacy Circle

To become a member of the Bronco Legacy Circle, donors must designate Fayetteville State University as a beneficiary in their will or establish a planned or deferred gift such as an annuity or charitable lead trust. Additionally, donors must provide FSU with a copy of the portion of their will or codicil that specifies the gift.

We encourage individuals to discuss planned giving with their families to ensure their wishes are clearly understood. While we strongly recommend consulting a lawyer or financial planner when creating a will, many people delay the process due to misconceptions about privacy, cost, or complexity.

Honoring Our Legacy Donors

As a token of appreciation, members of the Bronco Legacy Circle will receive a bronze medallion suspended from a white and blue ribbon. Additional recognition includes:

• Exclusive invitations to all university-wide events.
• Recognition at an annual luncheon hosted by the Chancellor, FSU leadership, and student representatives.
• Special recognition at Fall Convocation, Commencement, and Founders' Day, where members will be invited to process into the ceremony alongside the Chancellor and distinguished guests.
• Permanent recognition on the Bronco Legacy Wall, located in the newly renovated lobby of J.W. Seabrook Auditorium.
• A featured biography, photo, and personal quote published on the FSU website.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of joining our Legacy Society.

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