Finding Joy in Giving: Marilyn Knutson ’59 Supports Lectureship at PLU with QCDs and Her IRA

Marilyn Knutson ’59 looks back with gratitude for all she and her late husband David gained from Pacific Lutheran University, which is why she is inspired to contribute annually using her IRA’s qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and has made the university part of her estate plan by naming PLU as a beneficiary of her IRA.

Taught by her parents to be generous with both time and treasure, Marilyn has carried those lessons forward through her own volunteerism and philanthropy. At PLU, her gifts—both annual and future—support the David and Marilyn Knutson Lecture, created in memory of her late husband, a longtime member of the Religion faculty.

The idea for the lectureship came during a walk with Provost Patricia Killen, who suggested creating one since Dave loved hearing and discussing new ideas. At first Marilyn thought such a gift was only possible for “the rich or the dead.” But with her financial advisor’s guidance, she discovered it was well within reach.

“QCDs are really a smart way to give. I don’t see the money. It just goes out as gifts,” Marilyn says.

Thanks to her annual gifts and her IRA beneficiary designation, Marilyn is confident the lectureship will continue to bring inspiring speakers to campus and encourage students to think deeply and broadly. “I believe so many problems in this world can be solved by education,” says Marilyn, who is retired from 32 years of teaching.

Marilyn urges fellow alumni to join her in making a planned gift to PLU. “If you’re thinking of doing something for this university, just remember you don’t have to be rich or dead. Do it while you’re alive—it will give you so much joy!”