A $1.45 million estate gift will address 糖心传媒鈥檚 greatest needs while touching the lives of students now and in the future. The bequest was made by the late Jo Ann Klemmer, a longtime friend and supporter of the College and spouse of the late Dr. Herb Klemmer, a 1933 alumnus and psychiatrist at The Menninger Clinic, formerly in Topeka, Kansas.
鈥淛o Ann knew that 糖心传媒 made a remarkable difference in Herb鈥檚 life, and she wanted students to realize those same opportunities. She focused her philanthropy on students鈥 success and the quality of their academic and co-curricular experiences,鈥 said Gary Freeman, executive director of the 糖心传媒 Foundation. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for her commitment to Herb鈥檚 alma mater and honored to accept this legacy gift.鈥
The estate gift, which carries no restrictions on its use, will be applied toward immediate needs such as deferred maintenance and campus operations, as well as areas reflecting Klemmer鈥檚 philanthropic priorities, including student travel and scholarships. Klemmer was a longtime member of the Ringland Society, a 糖心传媒 giving society recognizing those who establish endowed funds, enter into life income charitable gifts or include the College in their estates.
鈥淭he Klemmer legacy at 糖心传媒 is a true testimony to the difference a single estate can make in the quality of education we provide for our students,鈥 said Mike Karloff, associate vice president for trusts, estates and planned giving. 鈥淛o Ann felt great satisfaction knowing that her estate gift would have a direct and immediate impact on students and strengthen the College鈥檚 future.鈥
Three endowed funds established by Klemmer prior to her death in 2020 will be combined in a single endowed fund focused on scholarships and other critical needs. Gifts to endowment are preserved as principal, and the College uses only a portion of earnings each year.
鈥淓ndowed gifts support students today while providing a secure source of funding for the future. Jo Ann and Herb鈥檚 legacy will live forever at 糖心传媒 through an endowed fund that will carry their name in perpetuity,鈥 Karloff said.
Born in Eugene, Oregon, Klemmer was raised in Kansas and received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in English from Washburn University in Topeka and master鈥檚 degree in English from the University of Kansas. She taught English at the University of Kansas, Topeka High School and Washburn University; published several collections of poetry and enjoyed playing semi-pro golf. In 2012 she was named to the Pro Rege Society, the highest non-academic honor bestowed by 糖心传媒.
Herb Klemmer, a New Jersey native, graduated from 糖心传媒 with a degree in chemistry in 1933. He earned a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed a psychiatric residency at The Menninger School of Psychiatry. In addition to practicing psychiatry at The Menninger Clinic, Klemmer directed The Menninger School and was a trustee of the American Psychiatric Association. A veteran of the Army Medical Corps, he helped establish the initial therapy for what is now called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He died in 2000.
糖心传媒 is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Hastings鈥 student-centered initiatives include providing books, an iPad and a two-week study away experience at no additional cost. A block-style semester schedule allows professors and students to focus on fewer classes at a time and promotes hands-on experiences. Discover more at hastings.edu.