Lifelong learning. Lifelong impact.
Your gift can help shape the future of Learn by Doing at the Bailey College.
When you include the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics in your estate plan, you help ensure that future students continue to experience the unique, transformational programs that make the college a premier institution for education, innovation and impact. Your legacy gift creates opportunities for students to explore, discover and grow while supporting the next generation of leaders in science, math, health and education.
Mark and Marley’s Story
As a K-12 chemistry teacher in the Bay Area, Mark Kent (Chemistry, ’76) loves to watch a child’s eyes light up when they finally grasp a challenging concept.
His joy for chemistry education inspired him to leave a legacy that will support learning at Cal Poly long into the future.
Mark and his wife, Marley, established a planned legacy gift that will one day bequeath part of their estate to establish a named endowed professorship in the Cal Poly Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.
“This is something that I thought about for a long time,” Mr. Kent said. “It was always at the back of my mind and just in the last five or six years that I started thinking ‘It’s time to actually see if this can be a reality.’”
After arriving at Cal Poly in 1974 as a transfer student with a natural talent for understanding fundamental chemistry principles, even practicing by visualizing molecular models in his head, Mark developed a keen interest in laboratory work and the Learn by Doing model allowed him hands-on opportunities to cultivate his skills that would shape his future career.
It definitely feels like the right thing to do. I hope I’m setting an example for other alumni to do this kind of thing.
— Mark Kent (Chemistry, ’76)
After graduating, Mark continued his education in graduate school and went on to work as an industrial chemist for 24 years, even creating his own biotechnology patent during his successful career as a scientist. Twelve years ago, during a period of transition in his professional life, he decided to become a K-12 chemistry teacher (currently serving students in grades 8-12). He champions the power of inspiring the next generation.
“It definitely feels like the right thing to do,” Mr. Kent said regarding his legacy gift to Cal Poly. “I hope I'm setting an example for other alumni to do this kind of thing.”
Marley and Mark Kent don’t have children and decided mutually to give to causes they support, leading to Mark’s outreach to Cal Poly to set up their planned gift.
“He just felt better about everything that he was doing,” Marley said of their decision. “He has always wanted to support Cal Poly education, and I’m so glad he made the choice to do so.”
Why Leave a Legacy?
Your Cal Poly story doesn’t have to end at graduation. For many alumni, Cal Poly shaped a career, sparked a passion, introduced them to their spouse or longtime friends, or opened doors that changed the course of their lives. A legacy gift is an opportunity to extend that impact by creating the same transformative experiences for future Bailey students.
Continue Learn by Doing
Help provide the hands-on experiences that define a Bailey education.
Invest in Future Discoveries
Support students and faculty tackling tomorrow’s scientific challenges.
Leave a Lasting Impact
Create opportunities that benefit generations of Mustangs.
Explore Ways to Give
Many people are surprised to learn that creating a legacy gift can be simple and flexible.
You can:
- Include the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics in your will or trust as a percentage or amount.
- Name the Bailey College as a beneficiary of a retirement account, IRA or life insurance policy.
- Donate appreciated securities.
- Explore other giving options that align with your financial and philanthropic goals.
Cal Poly’s Gift Planning Office has created a comprehensive resource with information about bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, sample bequest language and resources.
Explore Planned Giving Options
First, thank you.
If you’ve already included the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, or Cal Poly, in your will, trust, retirement account or other estate plans, we’re deeply grateful for your commitment to future generations of Mustangs.
By letting us know about your plans, you help ensure your gift reflects your intentions, give us the opportunity to thank you during your lifetime, help us thoughtfully plan for the future by understanding the philanthropic support behind our programs, and allow us to recognize your generosity if you choose.
Plan Your Bailey College Legacy
Whether you’re just beginning to think about your legacy or already have ideas in mind, we’d be honored to talk with you. Together, we can explore how your values, passions and Cal Poly story can create lasting opportunities for future Bailey College of Science and Mathematics students.
