When Linda Gramatky Smith ’64 first visited the Bates campus as a high school senior, she knew it was perfect for her – Bates’ coeducational, inclusive atmosphere felt far more natural for her than the private women’s college she had planned to attend. The friendliness she found on campus helped, too. “You don’t have to be a certain kind of person to go to Bates,” she says, “it’s very diverse and welcoming.”

Linda felt the same welcoming and respectful atmosphere when her son, Andrew Smith ’90 attended Bates.

These elements of the Bates experience have kept Linda engaged – she has served as a Trustee, a class agent and class officer, as a career advisor and an admissions volunteer, and is a member of the College Key. Her husband Dr. Kendall Smith ’55 is also active with his class. Together, they have been decades-long supporters of Bates.

“I know the importance of contributing annually to the Bates Fund. I am motivated to give to Bates because I want a hugely diverse group of students to have the Bates experience. Bates treated me and my fellow students as adults, worthy of dialogue on the tough issues of the day.

“When it was time to celebrate my 50th Reunion, I chose to support the Bates Fund using the IRA Charitable Rollover. It benefits Bates and helps me to fulfill my Required Minimum Distribution. I have also decided to name the college as one of the beneficiaries of my IRA which makes me a member of the Phillips Society.

“Every person’s gift is important at Bates.”

USE YOUR TRADITIONAL IRA TO SUPPORT BATES

The IRA charitable rollover allows anyone 70 ½ or older to complete charitable contributions directly from your IRA custodian and have them count toward your Required Minimum Distribution. You can also name Bates as one of the beneficiaries ofyour IRA. There is no minimum and it’s easy todo using a Change in Beneficiary form.