Spring 2025
Read on for the latest edition of Tartan Traditions, and learn how to ensure a long-term legacy with smart estate planning.
Looking ahead
Putting estate plans in place allows alumnus Cameron Brown to make a difference now and in the future.
Since graduating from Carnegie Mellon University in 1995, Cameron Brown’s professional life has taken him to Washington, D.C., New York City and even London.
But in many ways, Cameron never really left CMU far behind.
A Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences alumnus with a degree in managerial economics, Cameron knew from the start that he wanted to honor his experience at Carnegie Mellon in any way he could. He’s given his time, with the New York alumni network — even serving as the chapter’s president — and with the board of the Andrew Carnegie Society.
What is The Warner Circle?
Have you made a gift to Carnegie Mellon by including the university in your will or trust, as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance, or another part of your estate plan?
Thank you and welcome! You are a valued member of The Warner Circle donor recognition society.
Named for CMU’s fourth president, John C. Warner, The Warner Circle recognizes with gratitude those who support future generations of Tartans through their thoughtful estate plans.
Thank you for making such a special gift. We would like to provide you with:
• Insider updates
• Priority correspondence from the Office of Development & Gift Planning
• Invitations and special recognition at select events
• Respect for your wishes for privacy
Simple steps to get estate plans in place
Setting up a will or estate plan doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Understanding these four easy steps can help get you started:
Think about the people, places and programs that are most important to you and the type of legacy you want to leave. A gift to family, loved ones and favorite charities reflects the values, beliefs and people that you wish to support.
Select both the people who will receive assets or income from your estate and the professionals who will be given the responsibility of distributing your estate’s assets. To avoid potential conflicts of interest, consider choosing different individuals for each group.
Your home and other real estate, retirement and investment accounts, bank accounts or savings bonds are all important assets. And don’t forget to include personal property such as art, vehicles, family heirlooms and other valuables.
Choose qualified advisors to execute your plans, and then to help distribute your assets to the people and causes that are closest to your heart. That could be an estate planning attorney, financial advisor, bank or trust company, or other neutral professionals willing and able to serve.
