Estate Gifts Are Easy!
Giving Back to the Place That Made Me Everything I Am

Mark Reinhardt and his family at Ankor Wat, Cambodia

By Mark Reinhardt

The past 50 years since graduation from law school have been memorable. I have shared so many wonderful experiences with my wife and two sons. We have traveled across the world, seen marvelous sights, met wonderful people, and made lasting friendships.

Professionally, I have fought for the rights of the little guy, led huge cases, created new law, and successfully argued in many courts—including the U.S. Supreme Court. What I have carried along with me over the past 50 years is knowing my life would not have unfolded in this way without the education received from Catholic Law.

From the distance of half a century, I still see my law school days, Dean Miller on my first trip to D.C., law library tables piled high with study material (to the Dean's dislike), and laughing with fellow students in the Rathskeller.

The Golden Temple, Laos

These experiences and more in no small way laid the foundation of who I am today and have filled me with a sense of duty. How do you repay an institution for everything that you are and help your school carry on such impactful and profound excellence? As a member of the school's Board of Visitors, I appreciate how much the school depends on support from its alumni. The school needs money to operate, and its continued success in educating future lawyers is one of my highest priorities.

I have given back to the school since graduation, annually and with an estate gift, which I hope will allow students who otherwise cannot attend to experience the full opportunity our school can offer.

Innis mor, Ireland

Estate gifts are easy to set up. I encourage all graduates to plan a gift. An estate gift can be planned early in your career as you rise in the profession. As you enter a new life stage, the pledge can be adjusted accordingly. I have increased my gift this year in celebration of my 50th anniversary reunion. As you enter the end of your career, a large gift should be considered and executed. We who have received so much should give back to ensure the opportunities we had will be extended to future generations of students.

Like Mark, you can provide opportunities for future generations to excel in life and in law with a planned gift. If you would like to learn more about the ways you can make a gift to the law school, please contact Isabel de la Puente at 202-319-6914 or delapuente@cua.edu.