VSU’s Honors Newest Members of the Order of the Dome

New members of the Order of the Dome (left to right) Jack and Paula Hartley are joined by VSU President William J. McKinney and Melinda and Jeff Cutchens at luncheon on April 4. Not pictured is David Winder.

VALDOSTA--The Valdosta State University Foundation, Inc., honored Jeffrey and Melinda Cutchens, Jack and Paula Hartley, and David Winder as the newest members of the Order of the Dome at a luncheon on April 4.
     
The Order of Dome recognizes donors who contribute financial gifts through estate planning, including bequests in wills or trusts, charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity, or life insurance.
     
“Being a member of VSU’s Order of the Dome allows donors to give generously from assets and in turn make a significant impact on education through scholarships, research opportunities, as well as supporting the arts and athletics,” said Sandra Fletcher, director of planned and major gifts. “The gifts truly have a transformational impact on the university and its mission.”
     
According to Fletcher, the Cutchens family is establishing the Jeffrey K. Cutchens Criminal Justice Scholarship, the Hartleys' bequest is to athletic program, and Winder’s gift provides a financial award to honor a student receiving the annual Best Paper Award for Political Science.
 
"We are especially grateful to alumni and friends who include Valdosta State University in their estate plans,” said John Crawford, vice president for University Advancement. “The many different gift instruments available provide donors with a variety of options, many of which reduce exposure to tax consequences for the donors or their heirs.  Of course, all gifts to Valdosta State have the power to transform lives and are greatly appreciated."
  
The luncheon featured a presentation from the Valdosta Early College Academy, a cooperative program between VSU’s Dewar College of Education and Human Services and Valdosta City Schools.