Corps of Cadets Stirs Maj. Gen. Chris Adams to Donate

By Phil Riddle

Chris AdamsA highly decorated former member of Tarleton's ROTC program, Maj. Gen. Chris Adams, is giving students the chance to build a similarly stellar military career.

He's created a scholarship to benefit Air Force ROTC students.

After more than a three-decade career at the highest levels of the United States military, he notes recent changes in Tarleton's ROTC program and the reinstating of the Corps of Cadets and wanted to be a part of things.

"I jumped into that scholarship because I was so overwhelmingly impressed with the wisdom and the foresight of President (Dominic F.) Dottavio and the administration to bring Col. Kenny Weldon in to reinvigorate, motivate and get the Corps of Cadets program going again."

After graduating from Tomball High School, Chris attended Tarleton for two years, earning an associate degree in 1950, discovering the military science program and, by extension, his career path.

"Tarleton was absolutely the best ground-starter I think I ever witnessed," he says. "I remember so much about the academics, the professors at Tarleton, that I've kept with me ever since. The program was tough, and I responded to it."

His time at Tarleton launched a career that included stints as chief of staff of the Strategic Air Command and at the Air Force Defense Nuclear Agency.

The Tarleton Distinguished Alumnus served two tours in Vietnam, earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Medal, the Air Medal and the Vietnam Service Cross.

Additionally, he's author of 11 published books—both non-fiction and fiction—and is listed in Who's Who in America.

He gives Tarleton credit for giving him a solid professional foundation.

"Tarleton has a small-college atmosphere, even smaller when I was there," Chris says. "Tarleton is a great place to go to kick off life."

The Major General Chris Adams Air Force ROTC Scholarship is for full-time students who are contracted members of the Air Force ROTC, members of the Texan Corps of Cadets, demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA.

"I love Tarleton," Chris says. "It's a great school doing great things right now."

Give to What Matters

Like Maj. Gen. Chris Adams, you can ensure that what you value endures. Contact Janice Horak at jhorak@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9857 to plan a gift that expresses your values and makes a difference to Tarleton students.

 

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Tarleton State University Foundation 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

 Bequest Language

"I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc. [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

"I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Tarleton State University [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 Tarleton 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 Tarleton 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 Tarleton 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 Tarleton where you agree to make a gift to Tarleton 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.
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