Investing in the Future
How did Nella Webster-O'Grady '71 find herself one of three women in the Argyros School of Business and Economics in the late 1960s? She fell in love…with accounting. Nella attests that being a business major "gave her the opportunity to grow, try and fail at things, and figure out how to negotiate the business world."
During her senior year, Nella landed a job in financial services using an on campus interview arranged through Chapman. Securing the job from that interview led to falling in love again with future husband and business partner, Kevin O'Grady.
Nella and Kevin combined their different backgrounds and skill sets to build a very successful financial advisory firm. The two say that the key to their success has been dedication to high standards of excellence and integrity, and always placing their clients' interests first. Recently,
the two merged with another company, allowing them to hand off the "nuts and bolts of the business" and focus on what they do best.
For Nella, this transition has given her more time to pursue support causes important to her. Taught the importance of giving back by her parents, Nella provides leadership for Chapman through the Board of Counselors for the Argyros School at Chapman. Additionally, she is a
member of Women of Chapman and Town & Gown, philanthropic supporting organizations within the Chapman Family that have contributed millions of dollars to the mission of the University.
Nella and Kevin have chosen to invest in the future of Chapman through a legacy gift. By including the Argyros School as a charitable beneficiary of Nella's retirement account, they will impact Chapman students for generations to come.
Nella leads by example and hopes that her decision to support Chapman beyond her lifetime will encourage others to plan thoughtfully as well. Although not a Chapman alumnus himself, Kevin has developed a deep respect for the school as he has watched the breadth and quality of the university's programs grow exponentially over time.
Nella and Kevin chose to create a legacy gift because it's a way to invest in future generations and create a permanent legacy at the University. It is also one of the most tax-efficient ways to give a larger gift. For Nella, the lifelong friends she made at the University inspire her Chapman philanthropy. She still remembers the thrills and close-knit community of the dorms and looks fondly back on the times she enjoyed there. Nella and Kevin's legacy gift will allow other students to enjoy the same experiences.
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]
