Feeding the Future

After more than 30 years of service to the University of Missouri, Julaine Kiehn retired as Director of Campus Dining Services in 2018. She had worked alongside thousands of student employees and knew firsthand the impact they had on keeping MU’s many residential dining facilities running.

“They’re the cream of the crop,” says Kiehn. “These students have amazing bios and so many responsibilities. They’re earning their way through college with CDS but also remaining on the dean’s list or achieving their Eagle Scout rank.”

When her colleagues announced the creation of the Julaine R. Kiehn Dining Services Scholarship Fund, she was thrilled and wanted to contribute to its endowment as well. After looking through her options, she decided on a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, from her retirement funds.

“There was a simple form to fill out—I think the most difficult part was getting the form notarized—then I sent it in and told MU where I wanted the money to go. That was it,” says Kiehn. “The check was mailed straight from my financial institution to MU.”

By making a gift directly from her retirement fund, Kiehn was able to maximize her donation while avoiding an increase to her taxable income. “I’m getting ready to set up a second gift. And now that I’ve done it once, it’ll be even easier,” she says.

Campus Dining Services awards nine annual scholarships for students working at CDS, with the Julaine R. Kiehn Dining Services Scholarship Fund supporting one of those nine: the Student Employee of the Year Award. The winner receives an oversized check at the ceremony, which Kiehn has personally handed out multiple times over the years.

“MU is where my heart is. I benefited from scholarship funds—so if I can help finance a student’s education, then I’m going to do it,” says Kiehn. “It’s my turn to invest in their future.”

Wondering whether a tax-wise gift from your IRA is the right choice for you? Contact The Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-970-9977 or 573-882-0272 or giftplanning@missouri.edu to learn more.