Son's Success Inspires Major Gift
Adrienne and Rande Shaffer, parents of Teren '08, knew Chapman University was the right place for their son from the moment they set foot on campus. Teren was attracted to Chapman's world-renowned music program and his parents loved the warm feeling and idyllic location in the heart of Orange County.
During his time at Chapman, Teren flourished and was active in numerous honor societies and organizations across campus. He holds bachelor of music degrees in instrumental conducting, bassoon performance and music education, graduating summa cum laude in 2008 from Chapman's acclaimed Conservatory of Music.
Inspired by Teren's personal growth and success at Chapman, the Shaffers decided to search for a way to support the university that had become such an important part of their family's life.
"We wanted to give something back to the university and create a legacy to recognize Teren's wonderful experience at Chapman," said Adrienne.
Choosing to support Chapman through a life insurance policy was the natural choice for Adrienne and Rande, who both work in the insurance industry. To make their gift, the Shaffers created a new life insurance policy, designating Chapman University as both the owner and the beneficiary. The Shaffers make an annual gift to Chapman in the amount of the yearly premium on the policy and Chapman uses this gift to make the premium payment to the insurance company. One day, the proceeds will support a scholarship in conducting arts for the Conservatory of Music in Chapman's College of Performing Arts.
"A gift of life insurance is one of the most affordable ways to provide a significant donation," said Rande. "For those not able to make an immediate significant gift, a planned gift such as this enables one to give much more to Chapman for much less than the total amount of the gift."
The Shaffers have remained active at Chapman University since Teren graduated. They volunteer with the Chapman Parents Ambassador Council and Rande serves as an Alumni Advisor for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
"Their love of Chapman is enthusiastic and infectious," said Paula McCance, assistant director of parent engagement. "They enjoy reaching out to current and prospective parents to offer a warm welcome as model ambassadors of the Chapman community."
Teren has also earned a Master's degree from University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). He has since returned to Chapman as an adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate conducting and working with the University Orchestra. Adrienne and Rande credit his professors at Chapman for preparing him for success in his graduate studies and his already accomplished career in the music world.
"Philanthropy is an important part of who we are and we hope that Teren will continue to embrace this in the future," said Rande.
A gift of life insurance can be as simple as naming Chapman University as a beneficiary on a policy or it can be incorporated into more complex charitable strategies.
Click to learn more about a gift of life insurance to Chapman University.
Inspire Your Legacy
For information about creating your Chapman legacy, contact us.
- David B. Moore (M.A. '09), (714) 516-4590 or [email protected]
- Lindsey Jacobs '09 (M.A. '18), (714) 628-7311 or [email protected]
