Couple's Support Enriches Math and Science Initiatives
Bill Madia '69, M '71 and Audrey DeLaquil Madia '70 started their journey together at IUP.
"We met at the university, we got a good education at the university, and we have a great relationship with the university," Bill says.
But the Pittsburgh-area natives—Bill from Swissvale and Audrey from McKees Rocks—remember well the struggles they faced paying for college. Common to students from working-class families, those struggles were their primary motivation for starting a science scholarship at IUP more than a decade ago, and for their most recent gift—$1 million for science and math initiatives.
"Our giving started out by recognizing many students, like us, are not able to attend college without financial support. As we got more involved with the university, we saw the opportunity to help grow the infrastructure and facilities, which ultimately shapes and enriches the student experience," Bill says.
Initially, Bill and Audrey's $1 million commitment was to be a gift in an estate plan, known as a bequest. After discussion and guidance from their financial planner, they realized the benefit of setting their gift into motion through the IRA charitable rollover. Not only are they able to receive the tax benefits from this giving vehicle, but they are also able to see the impact that they are having on the lives of IUP students and the university as a whole. Their gift allows students and faculty to Imagine Unlimited Possibilities.
One of their favorite quotes is, "To whom much is given, much is expected," and every day they try to live up to that standard.
"It is our hope to bring a good education within reach for students with financial needs," Audrey says.
You, too, can create your legacy at IUP by including a gift in your estate plan to benefit future students. Contact Indiana University of Pennsylvania at university-advancement@iup.edu or 724-357-5661 to learn more.