Creating a Meaningful Legacy
May 16, 2024
Educating the next generation of community change-makers
Originally recruited to swim for the University of Richmond, Dr. John Bistline, R’77, was fortunate to receive a donor-funded scholarship to support his education. A psychology and sociology double major, John treasured the close-knit mentorships formed and the individualized attention he received from faculty.
“They really guided me and gave me a great head start towards my graduate program,” said John, who recently retired from a successful career as a psychologist.
In 2015, John made a bequest – a gift that is made as part of a will or trust – to establish the Bistline Endowed Scholarship in memory of his late wife, Kathleen Carlsson Bistline, W’78. When the gift is realized, the scholarship will provide financial assistance to undergraduate students, with a preference for those involved with UR’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.
“We believe it’s important for students to not only get an education but also be involved with their community and give back to others through service,” he said. “It was that combination of factors that inspired us to create the scholarship.”
John and his wife, Dr. Kathryn “Kay” Bistline, are pleased the planned gift will make a difference in the lives of future Spiders. “Although one never knows the future, we have a plan for what we want to see happen to our financial resources,” Kay said. “We value education and good citizenship in the hope they will make the world a better place after we’re gone.”
To make a gift or learn more about gift planning opportunities, call the Office of Gift Planning at 804-287-1864 or email jessica.will@richmond.edu.
“They really guided me and gave me a great head start towards my graduate program,” said John, who recently retired from a successful career as a psychologist.
In 2015, John made a bequest – a gift that is made as part of a will or trust – to establish the Bistline Endowed Scholarship in memory of his late wife, Kathleen Carlsson Bistline, W’78. When the gift is realized, the scholarship will provide financial assistance to undergraduate students, with a preference for those involved with UR’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.
“We believe it’s important for students to not only get an education but also be involved with their community and give back to others through service,” he said. “It was that combination of factors that inspired us to create the scholarship.”
John and his wife, Dr. Kathryn “Kay” Bistline, are pleased the planned gift will make a difference in the lives of future Spiders. “Although one never knows the future, we have a plan for what we want to see happen to our financial resources,” Kay said. “We value education and good citizenship in the hope they will make the world a better place after we’re gone.”
To make a gift or learn more about gift planning opportunities, call the Office of Gift Planning at 804-287-1864 or email jessica.will@richmond.edu.