Skip to Main Content

Charity Begins at Home

Andrew and Leslie Felter

Andy and Leslie Felter

While many young adults are eager to spread their wings and explore the world, many are content to discover all that their hometowns have to offer. For Andrew (Andy) Felter, MBA ’94 and Leslie Felter, this was exactly the case.

Born and raised near Tiffin, Andy and Leslie briefly relocated to attend separate colleges before returning to their old stomping grounds, finding careers—and each other—in the process.

Andy is the President and CEO of Webster Industries Inc. and Chairman of the Tiffin University Board of Trustees. Leslie is a locally practicing Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), having operated in the greater Northwest Ohio region for more than 25 years.

Both separately and together, the couple has given of their time, talent and treasure in the pursuit of helping TU students gain relevant experience through immersive learning opportunities.

“I had many people in my corner willing to help teach me the ins and outs of my field, so I’m happy to do the same for current-day business students,” Andy said.

Since graduating, Andy has dedicated his time and expertise to mentoring the next generation of students. Though Leslie did not graduate from TU, she believes in the University just as much as her husband and even serves on the University’s Board of Counselors in her spare time.

“I frequently have TU’s exercise science and sports management majors intern at my practice,” said Leslie. “Anyone interested in OT as a post-TU career is welcome in my office. In fact, several of my former mentees have gone on to become certified OTs themselves.”

“We both see the value in connecting professional practice to the student experience,” said Andy. “Our community has been so generous with us throughout the years, we feel it is our obligation to give back.”

The Felters are members of the Hazel Franks Society, a group of donors who have named TU as a beneficiary of a planned gift. If you would like to learn how you can make a lasting impact for TU students, please contact Mitchell P. Blonde, CFRE at 419.448.3584 or blondemp@tiffin.edu.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Tiffin University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Tiffin University, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to TU or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to TU as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to TU as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and TU where you agree to make a gift to TU and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address