Dean E. Cole ‘68

A True Testimonial

Dean E. Cole ‘68

Seton Hall opened its doors to Dean Cole in 1964. After graduating in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in political science, he earned an M.B.A. from Pace College and forged a successful career as a tax practitioner at AT&T, Hess Corporation and CAPTAX.

Now a Golden Pirate, Dean credits the University with giving him a quality education, a warm and welcoming student environment, a taste of the "true" college life, and of course, Pirate Athletics on the hardwood and ballfield. Seton Hall also provided an outlet for Dean's philanthropy through Pirate Blue, which allowed him to give back to the University while addressing the needs of student-athletes. It was indeed a double benefit.

"Because Seton Hall was so good to, and for, me, becoming a donor during and after my attendance here was a simple decision," Dean says. "But a planned gift was not at the forefront of my thinking at that point. As time passed and my mortality sank in, I saw the Benjamin Savage Society as my final — pun intended — opportunity to benefit the institution that was so valuable to me."

The timing of his planned gift was not prompted by any particular event. Rather, it was conceived as his ultimate gesture to his alma mater. Dean continued supporting the Seton Hall Fund and Pirate Blue during and after his attendance at Seton Hall. "I even purchased a seat in the video room in the Regan Athletic Center and a piece of the old Walsh Gymnasium floor. But the Benjamin Savage Society is — and will be — the lasting gift I can provide to Seton Hall," he says. That thought process led him to include the University in his will.

Dean hopes others will consider taking a similar action, both for the peace of mind it creates and for the benefit it provides to Seton Hall. "I am truly comforted by my decision based on my love for the school, but mostly for the opportunity to give back to my University in a lasting and memorialized way. I love my school and the continued warmth and welcome I feel every time I visit campus. I am, indeed, True Blue in every sense of the words," emphasizes Dean.

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.