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Gifts of Securities
The University welcomes gifts of both marketable securities and closely held securities.
Marketable Securities
Gifts of publicly traded securities that have appreciated in value allow you to claim a charitable deduction for the full market value of the securities on the date the gift is made. Additionally, you pay no capital gains tax on the appreciation.
Closely Held Securities
Gifts of stock in closely held corporations can also result in substantial tax benefits in the form of charitable deductions and avoidance of capital gains taxes. Closely held securities can be especially attractive in funding charitable remainder trusts or charitable remainder lead trusts. Because special regulations apply to gifts of this kind, we encourage you to consult your tax advisor and the University’s development staff when considering such a gift.
For more information on how to make gifts of securities, click here.
Making Good Use of a Chicago Education
Evan Behrens, AB’92, is proud to say that he uses his University of Chicago education every day as the founder of Behrens Rubinoff Capital Partners, a New York-based investment firm. “Chicago furthered my ability to think critically, to question, and to analyze,” said Behrens.
“I really appreciate what I learned at Chicago because in the business I’m in today the key is to be able to think and analyze and ask questions. I think a Chicago education does a tremendous job of teaching you how to do just that.”
Behrens recently paid tribute to all that his Chicago education has given him by making a $100,000 pledge in support of student programs, in addition to his regular annual gift of $25,000 to the College Fund.
Behrens’s gift demonstrates both his support of new student initiatives at the College and his admiration for John Boyer, Dean of the College. “I think Dean Boyer has done a phenomenal job. He has been an incredible influence on the school and I think that he’s tried to create a more balanced institution,” said Behrens, referring to Dean Boyer’s efforts at expanding extra-curricular learning opportunities for undergraduates.
Dean Boyer, in turn, appreciates the financial and moral support. “Evan Behrens has demonstrated extraordinary generosity in providing funds that we will use to strengthen student-life programs and opportunities on campus,” said Boyer. “Evan understands that alumni can make a huge difference in enriching the cultural and social opportunities available to our students, and I am enormously grateful for his leadership.”
In addition to his interest in improving the overall experience for students in the College, Behrens is a strong believer in Chicago’s commitment to need-blind admissions and encourages all alumni to give generously to scholarships and financial aid. “A number of people who go to this school are not as fortunate as I was,” recalled Behrens. “I think access to a Chicago education should remain open to anyone who is capable and qualified, regardless of their ability to pay. It’s important to the quality of the education offered at the University that financial aid is a priority.”
A native New Yorker, Behrens decided to attend the University of Chicago because of its reputation as an exceptionally challenging and rigorous institution. The quality of the education lived up to his expectations. “It was a wonderful intellectual experience. I had a lot of small classes taught by senior faculty,” recalled Behrens. “I think that’s unique to the College.”
After graduating with an AB in political science, Behrens left Hyde Park and stepped into New York’s financial world. He had held positions at Paribas Corporation, Ulysses Management, and SAC Capital Management before establishing his own firm. Despite his busy schedule, Behrens remains an active volunteer for the University. He has raised support for the current capital campaign, the Chicago Initiative, by serving on the New York Chicago Initiative Launch Committee. Additionally, he has helped organize the class of 1992’s 10th reunion as a member of the Reunion Committee, and given young graduates of the College professional advice as a Career Advising and Planning Services Alumni Contact Volunteer. He has been particularly instrumental in getting younger alumni involved in the University’s activities.
Behrens appreciates the impact the University has had, not just on his own intellectual life, but on the world. “I think the institution as a whole does a lot for the common good. Chicago’s contribution to the community and the world is immense. It’s an important institution and it deserves support for that reason,” said Behrens.
