Growing up on a farm, Pete was fortunate to have the support of family and neighbors, who encouraged his participation in education and sports. His abilities paid off when he applied to Saint Michael’s and was awarded several small scholarships that made it possible to attend.
Pete says that he immediately felt the support from faculty and staff and that being on campus was “like coming home.”
Pete has many fond memories of his time here and has contributed financially to the College every year since his graduation. It was a natural progression for Pete and his late wife, Joanne, to include Saint Michael’s in their estate plans. They chose a charitable gift annuity (CGA), an agreement where the donor makes a gift to Saint Michael’s (totaling at least $25,000) in exchange for fixed payments for life. Pete receives quarterly distributions from the annuity.
Saint Michael’s partners with a community foundation that issues the gift annuities. When Pete passes, the remaining value stays in the community foundation’s endowment and the College receives annual payments.
Pete considers this a “win-win” as both the College and he benefit. In addition, the Griffins received a tax deduction on their long form at the time they established the annuity, and the quarterly distributions are taxed by the IRS at a lower rate.
“This was so easy to set up. I only wish I had done it sooner!” Pete says.
Pete has a standout memory from his time in Winooski Park. In March of 1958, the Saint Michael’s basketball team went to the NCAA tournament in Evansville, Indiana, as part of the final eight. They arrived in Evansville with little money and even fewer supplies, but they had a fantastic time, winning themselves a spot in the finals, where they lost to the University of South Dakota, 75 to 53. Along the way, they were dubbed the “Iron Knights” for not substituting a player until the final game. The tournament was covered by the Associated Press, so they even put Saint Michael’s and Vermont on the map!
Pete says that at Saint Michael’s, he learned to take responsibility in all aspects of his life, including academics, ROTC and athletics. Pete was given a number of student leadership opportunities, including chair of inter-class activities (coordinating game logistics) and dorm proctor, where he was responsible for 40 students. Pete also credits the College with giving him a sound religious foundation.
While Pete trained as an actuary, he became more interested in youth sports and working with young adults, so he ended up teaching math and coaching sports in public education for 33 years, 17 of which were as a high school principal. Upon his “retirement,” Pete became an adjunct professor at several colleges in the Albany, New York, area for another 17 years.
Pete fondly remembers former president, Rev. Gerald Dupont, head baseball coach, assistant basketball coach and assistant athletic director, Ed Markey, John Hartnett, Vincent Naramore and Warren Sparks for making a positive and memorable impact on his Saint Michael’s experience.
“I am so extremely pleased to see that today's faculty and staff continue to interact closely with students,” Pete notes.
Pete credits George “Jerry” Kowalczyk ’60 and his wife Pauline for introducing him to his wife, Joanne. Jerry and Pauline stood up for them at their wedding and they regularly stay in touch. He's also in touch with classmates Ron Von Stetina and John Zurlo.
When asked what advice Pete would give to today's students, he quickly says: “Enjoy the holistic experience that Saint Michael’s is giving you—the academics, the religious foundation, the leadership, service and athletic opportunities, and the wonderful sense of community. The total package is priceless!”
Like Pete, you too can support Saint Michael’s work while receiving fixed income for life when you create a charitable gift annuity. Contact Carla Francis at 802-654-2618 and cfrancis@smcvt.edu to learn more.