Alum Alan Lessik Expresses his Values through His Living Trust

Alan Lessik '88 did not come from wealth and made his career in nonprofits. But he realized his home in San Francisco provided a possibility for giving that he never imagined. He has surrounded himself with a family of choice who he wants to share his assets with, but the value of his home meant he could do that and more. This gave him the opportunity to think about organizations he wanted to support. He asked himself "Who will be around in the future?" He explained, "I knew Metropolitan State University would be. Metro is important today and will be in the future, so I knew I wanted to include the university in my plans."

Alan chose to make his plans with a living trust because it gives an advantage over going through probate in California, where he lives. Going through a traditional probate means expenses and fees will be taken from the estate, per California law. He likes the living trust option because "this trust is simple, my trustee has my instructions and can write checks when I pass away." It is easy for friends, family and organizations you wish to support to receive the money from the trust. And it's easy to change at any time—it is designed to be changed, unlike a will that is more static. Alan described, "It is easy to put into the trust what is important to you and revisit in five years, ten years, as your needs and values change."

As he looks to the future, his gift to Metro State is without restrictions—"Knowing the needs of the university change, I want to keep it flexible." Metro has evolved and changed to continue to meet the needs of the community and he knows that will continue—an undesignated gift means it will support that work where it's at when the gift comes in. For him that work means having a place for everyone who wishes to pursue higher education.

As all of us think about planning for your own future, Alan urges "When is a great time to do it? Now!" He shares, "Facing death does not need to be scary. If you procrastinate you will not have control over your assets. It can be enlightening to think about how you want to express what you care about."

To explore if a living trust is a good option for you, contact your attorney or advisor for more information. If you'd like to explore options for leaving a legacy gift to Metropolitan State University please contact us.