A Seton Hall story built on relationships and resilience.
Dr. Andrew "Andy" Rinko, Jr. '71/M.A. '74, remembers his undergraduate experience as one that was defined by his strong work ethic and resilience. At the start of his sophomore year, Andy had to leave the University to work full-time to pay tuition.
"Seton Hall allowed me to maintain my matriculated status by scheduling two evening classes: during the day I worked in a door factory, at night I attended classes," said Andy. "That outreach from the University changed my life forever as I resumed studies the following year.
"Moments like this inspired Andy to stay engaged as an alumnus by supporting the University with generous gifts. He also found other ways to stay active in the Seton Hall community.
"There are other personal notes of inspiration: my son was an attendee at PJ Carlesimo's basketball camps; my family had season tickets for many years and enjoyed BIG EAST basketball; and we attended many family weekends."
For Andy, The Hall had always been there at the most important times in his life, including last year during a serious medical diagnosis.
"Last year when I faced a very difficult time with the diagnosis of a brain tumor, a Mass was said for me in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception," said Andy. "That was heartfelt and motivating during my year-long recovery. Seton Hall has always been there for me."
As he reflected on Seton Hall and worked his way through the recovery process, Andy shared why it was so important for him to give back to his alma mater through an estate planned gift.
Andy noted that he and his wife, Connie, found themselves at a point in their lives
when they were no longer building careers or raising children. They took some time
to reflect on their goals in this chapter of their life. One of the things they agreed
upon was that they were blessed and fortunate to have the ability to give back to
Seton Hall in a meaningful way through a planned gift. Andy was inspired by numerous
members of the Seton Hall community including faculty and members of the faith-based
community.
"There are two people who were influential in my support of Seton Hall: Dr. David
Abalos and Sr. Rose Thering. My memories of both of them are caring, compassionate
and always available to listen and offer wise counsel. In fact, it was not unusual
for Sr. Rose to invite students to her home to discuss literature and contemporary
politics with a blend of Judeo-Christian values. Dr. Abalos and Sr. Rose Thering were
not afraid to confront sensitive issues about race, religion and man's inhumanity
to man… something that seems lost in the context of today's provocateur politics!"
Both Dr. Abalos and Sr. Rose Thering were key influences in Andy's decision to shift
his studies towards serving others.
"They are in very large measure why I chose not to pursue my degree in accounting
from the Stillman School of Business, but rather to devote my career life as a teacher,
principal, school superintendent and university professor. That choice opened the
door to serve and guide a much wider audience of students, teachers, parents and communities,"
said Andy. "After retirement, I continued with service, first as a member of the Board
of Directors with the New Hanover, NC Department of Social Service serving over 26,000
clients, and now after relocating to Florida, as a Board member working with Palm
Beach Harvest, a large food recovery non-profit that distributes millions of meals
to our most needy and underrepresented people in Palm Beach County."
The blend of a unique experience, that was made possible through hard work and interactions
with influential faculty and staff members of the University helped create a clear
path for Andy to become the empathetic, impactful leader he is today, thanks in part
to his philanthropic spirit and persistence.
At a Glance: Bequests
- Charitable bequests are made by naming Seton Hall as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. This type of gift does not affect your cash flow.
- Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime. You can modify your gift at any time should circumstances change.
- You can direct your gift to the area of Seton Hall's mission that is most meaningful to you.
- We can provide you with model bequest language and will work with you on the details.