Couple Creates Scholarship Fund with Current Gift and Will Sustain It Through Legacy Gift in Estate Plan

Heather G. Miller retired and moved to Sarasota with her husband in 2013. Having had successful biomedical careers, they felt it was a good time to review their wills and make important philanthropic decisions about their legacy. One major goal was to provide financial support to students interested in medical careers.

Looking at Heather’s resume, it may seem obvious why education is a passion. What it doesn’t reveal is that her M.A. in forensic science and Ph.D. in medical sociology were funded as part of George Washington University’s employee benefit package. Heather worked in several GWU research labs—without that support, her education would have been out of reach.

“Education is a powerful tool,” said Heather. “Unfortunately, not everyone has the resources to advance their education without financial assistance.”

As part of their estate planning, the couple met with the Healthcare Foundation and offered an opportunity to establish the Heather G. Miller Scholarship Fund now and sustain it with a legacy gift. The fund works concurrently with the G. Duncan Finlay Scholarship Fund at SMH providing financial assistance to graduating high school students with aspirations in the medical field.

Piggybacking on the existing program and partnering with the Healthcare Foundation made their decision easy. “The administration was in place and ensures the funds go where needed,” Heather said. She also shared how wonderful it is to meet the students.

“Our gift is transforming lives today and will continue as our legacy in the future.”