“My gift turned something that felt like loss into something wonderful.”

INGRITH DEYRUP-OLSEN, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ZOOLOGY

In retirement, she continues to make a difference for undergraduate students through the Sigurd Olsen Endowed Scholarship which she established in honor of her late husband. “He was a talented scientist,” says Ingrith, “but in his youth in Denmark he couldn’t afford a university education. I wanted to provide young people who love science with opportunities he didn’t have.”

As committed partners and scientists, Ingrith and Sigurd enjoyed both recreation and research at their lakeside cabin on Kitsap Peninsula, so it was fitting that Ingrith donated the cabin to the University to fund the scholarship endowment.  Although Ingrith received a charitable tax deduction at the time of her donation, the most meaningful benefit to her was the ability to turn her grief into generous support for talented students through a gift of property that had personal and professional value to both her and Sigurd.  Ingrith continues to add to her endowment annually, but the initial contribution of property still holds special significance to her.

If you, would like to learn how a gift of real property can provide you with an opportunity to support UW generally, or a program or fund of your choice, significant tax benefits, and under certain circumstances, income for life please contact the Office of Gift Planning.