Two-Time Alumnus Brings Giving Full Circle

"Founding fathers" reunion, from left: Bob Malone, Joe Malley, Roy Fugazy, Brian Kennedy, Brooks Singer, John Mastrangelo, and Mike Maglio

The Catholic University of America is honored to welcome Brian Kennedy (B.A. '83 and J.D. '92), into the St. Thomas Aquinas Society in recognition of his generous $100,000 gift from his 401(k) to benefit the University's men's and women's lacrosse teams. In making the gift, Brian says, "If my ongoing annual gifts along with my planned gift can help secure the future of Catholic University's lacrosse program, that is a good thing!"

During his undergraduate years, Brian founded Catholic University's men's lacrosse club. In 1978, with some help from the student government and a few dedicated friends, he built a 23-man roster into a fully equipped squad. The club has since been converted to varsity status, under the leadership of coach Brooks Singer, and now competes at the NCAA Division III level.

Brian, who works in trusts and investments, completed his undergraduate degree in politics and economics before entering the Columbus School of Law. After years of loyal annual contributions, including the University in his estate plan seemed like a natural next step for him.

Brian's Journey to Legacy

"One of the things I am most proud of from my time at Catholic University is having started the men's lacrosse club. And one of my most favorite memories is the team's very first win over the Waldorf lacrosse club of Maryland. That moment was great. We had such a blast.

"A big part of the strength of my ongoing commitment is the power of the legacy my friends and I created when we started the men's club and attempted to start a women's club. Last year we had a 'founding fathers' reunion. Being able to see a new group of student-athletes have fun participating in something we helped start is a source of great joy.

"Life is fiscally challenging. For many of us, it can be overwhelming to think about making a 'big check' happen. A legacy gift like mine means that over time I will be able to make a generous contribution to Catholic University while taking care of myself and loved ones.

"For me, the reward is that I can come back to campus 20 or 30 years later and see new undergraduates who are having the same opportunity I had. They have a chance to play lacrosse and to create the same powerful, lifelong relationships."

What Will Your Catholic University Legacy Be?

Whether it's athletics or an academic program, you can follow in Brian's footsteps and make a long-term investment in your passion at Catholic University through your estate plan. Contact Isabel de la Puente at 202-319-6914 or delapuente@cua.edu to begin a conversation about the legacy you wish to leave.