Each time we made a gift to the university, it was a positive and rewarding experience, which encouraged us to continue giving. - John and Betty Wills

John and Betty Wills have been among San Diego State’s most committed supporters over the past few years. Since 2000, when they created the John and Betty Wills Endowment, they have made six planned gifts to the university, designated to benefit both the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences.

Their gifts have come in the form of gift annuities, donations that offer tax deductions and a steady income for the donors, and upon their deaths, create a lasting legacy at SDSU by supporting the program of their choice.

“Each time we made a gift to the university, it was a positive and rewarding experience, which encouraged us to continue giving,” John said of their ongoing support. Betty has been impressed with “the depth of education that San Diego State provides,” and the couple also enjoys being able to support their personal areas of interest.

Given the Wills’ steadfast support of SDSU, it is somewhat surprising to learn that neither John nor Betty is an alum. John, a Purdue engineering graduate, was drawn to SDSU because its College of Engineering boasts a chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the prestigious national engineering honor society. Since directing their first planned gift to the College of Engineering, John and Betty have become familiar with the college’s curriculum and its faculty and staff, and as a result, the couple decided to allocate two more gift annuities to the College of Engineering.

"We're so honored that John and Betty have 'adopted' the College of Engineering and have chosen to support our activities and programs," said Dean David T. Hayhurst. "Their gifts will help us purchase important laboratory equipment, address critical needs in the college, and even start new academic programs. I'm impressed by the breadth and depth of the Wills' intellectual pursuits, and look forward to maintaining our relationship with them."

The Wills’ relationship with the College of Engineering also exposed them to other disciplines on campus, such as the College of Sciences. Betty, who graduated from Washington State with a degree in biology, found herself intrigued by the application-oriented nature of SDSU's science programs, which prompted the couple to contribute to the College of Sciences as well.“

Laboratory science is great,” Betty said, “but the research must be taken out into the real world and put to use. San Diego State’s College of Sciences sends its research beyond the lab and into the business world, and that’s the kind of education we wanted to support.” The Wills’ support has taken the form of three gift annuities to the college.

In addition to the satisfaction the Wills received from contributing to quality programs, they continue to appreciate their connection with the university. Through their relationships with various members of the campus community, including development professionals, they are kept informed of the latest news on the Mesa and integrated into activities and events taking place at SDSU.

Patricia Moulton, who directs Planned Giving at SDSU, says that’s what her job is about—creating long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships, which keep community members connected to the university. “Being able to pair philanthropists’ goals with the university’s needs is what makes this profession so rewarding,” said Moulton. “I’m fortunate to have developed a warm friendship with the Wills over the past few years. This dynamic couple, who are in their 80s, have an energy and enthusiasm for their spheres of interest that’s contagious, and it makes them fun to work with. I have a deep admiration for both their spirit and dedication to the university.”