Jerry and Vicki Conrey lead the way to $5 million in new estate commitments with a $3.5 million planned gift.
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – At its recent convention, Sigma Alpha Mu announced $5 million in new planned gifts commitments, which were headlined by a $3.5 million commitment from Past Supreme Prior Jerry Conrey and his wife Vicki.
The record commitment from the Conreys will fund programs that support innovation, enhancement of chapter housing and educational initiatives for members of Sigma Alpha Mu. “This extraordinary commitment from Jerry and Vicki will help ensure the future of Sigma Alpha Mu,” said Aaron Girson, chief executive officer of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. Jerry and Vicki’s gift will be split equally between the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation and Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity.
“By making this planned gift, Vicki and I are championing an organization that has profoundly touched both of our lives. We urge our fellow alumni and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu to follow suit, to make a lasting impact on future generations, and to champion causes close to their hearts,” shared PSP Jerry Conrey, Gamma Xi/Cal State Fullerton ’84.
Conrey’s gift had an immediate impact by prompting Past Supreme Prior David Sergi, Gamma Kappa/Texas A&M ’82, to finalize his own seven-figure estate commitment to the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. “It is wonderful to see the impact that longtime leaders like David are still having on Sigma Alpha Mu,” said Andy Huston, executive director of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. Andy went on to share, “David witnessed the transformational impact of Sigma Alpha Mu when his son joined Mu Chi Chapter. This gift, which will also be split between the Fraternity and Foundation, will help ensure that future generations continue to benefit from fraternity membership.”
These two gifts were announced on the heels of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation receiving a $325,000 distribution from the estate of Robert Burg, Tau/Alabama – Phi/Washington U ’43, to fund scholarships for the members of the Tau and Phi chapters. In addition, Past Supreme Prior David Rice, Beta Iota/Wisconsin – Gamma Epsilon/UIC ’83, has finalized an estate commitment of at least $500,000 and a five-year commitment of $25,000 to fund current needs.
Over the years, dozens of members and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu have joined the Ira Lind Society, Sigma Alpha Mu’s planned giving society. The society was established in honor of ΣAM founder Ira N. Lind, who in 1959 became the first member to establish a planned gift for Sigma Alpha Mu. To date more than $1.2 million in planned gifts have been received by Sigma Alpha Mu, and the total known planned gift commitments are more than $7 million. Planned gifts are commitments from alumni and friends of ΣAM who have commitments in their estate plans.
For more information on planned giving opportunities or ways to support the current needs of student fratres, contact Aaron Girson, chief executive officer of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation, at [email protected].
