Passing the Torch to Tomorrow’s Lawyers

True legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind in a will, it’s about the lives you change—and Ken and Louise Yahne wanted to be here to see their impact in action.

"We have enough to live comfortably and do what we want, so we would prefer to use some of the money we have been fortunate to accumulate to help others," Ken shared.

From working in a mailroom to put himself through college to serving as an Army JAG clerk in Vietnam, Ken knows firsthand how access to education and financial support can alter the trajectory of a person's life. That is why he and Louise didn't wait to make a difference.

Creating immediate impact through strategic giving

Rather than relying solely on a bequest in their estate plans, Ken and Louise leveraged appreciated stock to launch the Kenneth and Louise Yahne Scholarship at the Maurer School of Law. A former lawyer himself with a long career in litigation at Lincoln Life, Ken’s goal was to support students pursuing careers in public service—and to provide that support right now.

To maximize their gift, optimize their financial strategy, and achieve their philanthropic goals, the Yahnes transferred appreciated stock directly to the Indiana University Foundation. This allowed them to establish the scholarship fund during their lifetimes while avoiding capital gains taxes and receiving a charitable tax deduction for the stock's full fair market value.

Ken and Louise also recently used a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from their IRAs to support Louise’s passion project, Fort Wayne Humane, in building a new shelter facility. In addition to uplifting causes they care about, these gifts satisfied their required minimum distribution (RMD) and were excluded from their taxable income.

“Louise and I felt the most sensible way to give to that effort was by way of the QCD, since the money went directly from the funds custodian to Fort Wayne Humane, and we were never taxed on it,” Ken said.

How will you shape the future?

The IU Foundation and the Maurer School of Law are honored to be beneficiaries of the legacy that Ken and Louise have so carefully nurtured. Whether through stock transfers, IRA gifts, or direct contributions, strategic giving allows you to witness the power of your generosity during your lifetime while minimizing tax burdens—just like the Yahnes.

If you are also considering establishing a plan for your legacy with IU, let us help.