See how one family turned generosity into lasting impact through wise investment into the future.
Helping to build the future
Gerhart Pahl has been deeply connected to Trinity Western University for many years, providing his council to TWU’s Investment Committee. Leveraging his background of providing investment consulting to large pension and endowment plans, he was the perfect person in 2004 to help grow TWU’s endowment, which at the time was a mere $4 million.
"It has been a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to use my personal career expertise in a meaningful way for TWU."
Contributing expertise, creating a legacy
Gerhart shares, “It has been a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to use my personal career expertise in a meaningful way for TWU. Since the early 2000s, the fund has grown significantly, and I can say from experience that the way the fund is managed and monitored by TWU is very much in line with well-accepted practices utilized by other endowment funds. I believe that this is critical both to prudently grow the fund and, very importantly, to be able to assure donors that their gifts are managed in adherence to the highest investing standards.”
Penny Pahl Memorial Award
Gerhart recently made yet another outstanding commitment to the University by establishing the “Penny Pahl Memorial Award” now in life that will be endowed through his estate. This named award is in honour of his late wife and will support international students from developing countries with assessed financial need. With this incredible act of generosity, Gerhart joins TWU’s Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals who have notified TWU of their legacy intentions and celebrates their expression of support towards TWU's mission and vision.
"I truly wish to give monetary support to causes that I believe in, and TWU—its values, purpose, and student outcomes—are those I believe in. . . ."
Alignment with purpose and values
When asked what inspired him to contribute to the University from a philanthropic perspective, Gerhart revealed, “I am getting older, and it is clear that I no longer need all my money to support myself and personal endeavours. I truly wish to give monetary support to causes that I believe in, and TWU—its values, purpose, and student outcomes—are those I believe in. . . . Additionally, the way the relationship between donor and student recipient is set up at TWU makes it very personal to me, which is both meaningful and satisfying.”
Scholarship impact
Having been a beneficiary of help himself, Gerhart deeply understands the impact that a scholarship or award can have in a student’s life. Gerhart believes that helping a student study at TWU versus a secular university will produce a person with the values, character, and skills that go beyond merely being a professional. He believes in both the mission and vision of TWU.
About Gift & Estate Planning
Our university aims to help students grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and make valuable contributions to society. Our vision is that every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully. You can support the university by including TWU in your estate plan. Learn more at Gift & Estate Planning.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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