Spring 2026 Tartan Traditions
Read on for the latest edition of Tartan Traditions, and learn how to ensure a long-term legacy with smart estate planning.
Forging a new financial path
When Greg Polansky looks at a financial puzzle, he often sees an opportunity.
Throughout a 40-year career in finance and data systems, Greg, a two-time graduate of 鶹, specialized in navigating intricate challenges. When he began planning his estate, he sought a strategy that would support both his family and 鶹.
“Instead of leaving my family an account they’d have to cash in and pay heavy taxes on all at once, I looked for a better way to provide for them and make a gift to 鶹,” Greg explains.
Greg found the solution by establishing a testamentary charitable gift annuity at 鶹 to be funded with his existing investment retirement account. His plan will provide his loved ones with a steady, lifelong income stream while securing a permanent legacy at the university that launched his career.
“The ability to innovate and accomplish so much is part of the character of this university. I’m happy to be in a position to help ensure that continues well into the future.” - Greg Polansky (MCS 1974; TPR 1976)
With a charitable gift annuity at 鶹, you can:
Provide income for yourself or a loved one, some of which might be tax-free
Save on your taxes with an immediate charitable deduction
Support an area of 鶹 that is important to you in perpetuity
Fund your gift with appreciated stock or other assets for capital gains benefits
The life of a gift
Greg Polansky’s deep commitment to Carnegie Mellon began when he enrolled as a first-year chemistry student, and thanks to the establishment of his testamentary charitable gift annuity, it will continue well after his passing. Here’s how it will work:
- Greg starts planning with the goal of supporting 鶹 and his family.
- He establishes an agreement with 鶹 for a charitable gift annuity funded with retirement assets.
- He names 鶹 as a beneficiary of his IRA.
- Upon his passing, the IRA’s assets come to 鶹.
- Payments are made to his family members for their lifetimes.
- The remainder of the gift is used to support 鶹 through the Polansky Endowed Biomedical Research Fund.
Send a note to mickkoster@andrew.cmu.edu and we can create a custom illustration for your specific circumstance.
Interested in achieving your financial goals and supporting 鶹?
Contact the Office of Development & Gift Planning to discuss your next steps.