Donor Stephen Feehan/Kate Madigan

The power of positive planning

Stephen Feehan '90 MBA and Kate Madigan have both experienced Binghamton University from a variety of perspectives. Both have offered their time and expertise to the University as volunteers, including the Binghamton University Foundation board of directors. Members of the Esther W. Couper Heritage Society, both have contributed generously to the University and have made provisions in their respective estate plans to benefit Binghamton.

Why Feehan and Madigan support the University so strongly can be summed up in one word: impact.

"Binghamton University has been a significant influence on my ability to provide for my family and earn an income," said Feehan, a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and a volunteer for several area non-profit organizations. "The education I received there certainly has enhanced my ability to contribute to various organizations."

A partner in the law firm of Levene Gouldin & Thompson LLP, Madigan has chaired the Binghamton Fund's annual Community Campaign and was the second woman to chair the Harpur Forum. These experiences and others, she said, have given her a "bird's-eye view" of the University's "cutting-edge research, outstanding faculty and visionary leadership."

Feehan's understanding of the University's impact began before he matriculated there. His parents (Peter H. Feehan '76 and Suzanne B. Feehan '80) each earned degrees by attending the University part-time for more than 10 years while raising five children.

"The value of a Binghamton University education is phenomenal," said Feehan, who received financial aid while pursuing on his degree.

Feehan named the University a contingent beneficiary to one of his individual retirement accounts. "Being a bit younger, I needed to make sure my wife and children are provided for in the event of my death," he said. "This way, my wife gets a chance to look at what she needs for herself and our three children who are four, six and eight. Once she is certain there are plenty of other assets for her and the kids, the University will receive the proceeds from the account."

Madigan has named the University and its women's athletic program as a beneficiary of one of her individual retirement accounts.

"I'm a firm believer that if you're involved with an organization you need to put your money where your mouth is," said Madigan, who played point guard for the University of Colorado's women basketball team. "I'm happy to have been able to include Binghamton University, especially the women's athletic program, in my estate planning."