Legacy Moments - Spring 2026

In our last edition of "Legacy Moments" (Fall of 2025), we pointed to our anticipated soon turning the corner on yet another year of promise and fulfillment. Indeed, now finding ourselves into 2026, we are in a mode where we are seeking Him once again for His continued blessing on this Foundation's ministry, in both its relevance and overall utility, to both the University as well as you, our stakeholders. We truly covet your prayers, as we go out and come in as a Foundation, and for the University as it seeks to be a true "academic ministry", where all of our faculty and staff are considered to, in fact, be ministers.
At this writing, we find our country caught up in a whirlwind of unsettling activity, "wars and rumors of wars", and in a tone that cannot be ignored by any of us. Maybe it's my background from my "Bible College" days, where in that era there were so many speaking into the "end times" and what, from their view of Scripture, they believed we were going to one day face. That being all well and good (and maybe indeed spot on in many areas of thought, from then, right up to today), the underlying truth(s) we must adhere to is that we, all of us who have embraced Christ in saving faith, must be circumspect in every facet of our lives; Christ followers, who exhibit "salt and light" that preserves, and lends luminescent clarity to, the truth we have embraced and would now share with others.
In recent communications we’ve published, we’ve pointed to the importance of having our “affairs in order” – an “ordered life” as the phrase is used. Unlike any other country in the world, we in the United States have the privilege to speak into what we would desire to see happen with all that we leave behind - wealth on several levels, and in amounts that are increasingly becoming unprecedented in size and scope. In my many years now in this space, I’ve seen wealth evaporate as estates (without guidance) are settled. In many cases, I’ve known the individuals well, and knew what they would have rather seen take place.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 are instructive in this area, as he sought to “run in such a way as not without aim, lest, in the end, he would not find himself disqualified”. Truly, may we who have embraced the truths about Christ and His finished work be found faithful in doing what Psalm 71:18 calls us to; “declaring His strength to the next generation, His power to all to come” – for all the inspiration that can, and will, form!
Know that assisting you in this important area of planning is a large part of what we are all about here within this Foundation. With time tested materials, we can get you on the path to accomplishing this important task – including in which is a means by which you can “tell your story” to those who will follow in your footsteps, to encourage and bless them.
For questions or assistance, please feel free to call upon us at any time … by email at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org or directly to me by phone, at 903-353-1326. May His blessing be upon you as you reflect upon what we’ve sought to unpack here for you.
“Estate and Legacy Planning” – Does it Really Matter?
Think about this: early in the life of Israel we see the Lord repeatedly reminding them about the importance of passing on to “their children and their children’s children” God’s testimony of faithfulness (Deuteronomy 4:9 and following). God went on to tell the children of Israel that He wasn't’t talking directly with their children, but rather with them – because “their eyes had seen” all that the Lord had done (Deuteronomy 11:2-7).
Estate planning, when done with intentionality and by including a narrative of one’s life, can be an incredible means of motivating future generations. Further empowering such planning with
Watch for our next installment where we will purpose to unpack …
- what estate and legacy planning is
- why it’s important
- what it looks like
and most importantly,
- how it can be a compelling motivation for succeeding generations when it is empowered with an integrated level of charitable gift planning
As always, if we can be of service to you in this area, or for any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to email us at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org or call us toll-free at 903-500-2972 and ask for Tom Bevan.
And always a proper disclaimer: When considering what we might point to by way of a benefit to you in any given situation, always assure to consult your legal and tax advisor for what qualifies as the actual tax treatment of that scenario in your unique situation.
Scholarships play a major role in the lives of LETU students. More than 90% of the student body receives financial assistance from scholarships, grants, and loans. But with graduating seniors incurring significant financial debt, it is our goal to lessen the burden and increase our scholarship aid. Endowed scholarships play a vital role in decreasing the debt burden on students.
Why do LETU alumni and friends choose to establish Endowed Scholarship Funds?
- To perpetuate the memory or legacy of a loved one;
- To honor positive role models who have significantly influenced others;
- To invest in today's students who will influence every workplace and every nation for Christ tomorrow.
Endowed Scholarships provide significant impact:
- Equip leaders for tomorrow today;
- Recruit and retain outstanding students seeking the hands-on, Christ-centered education that has for decades been the strength of LETU;
- Recognize and reward outstanding performance by students with demonstrated financial need.
Endowed professorships, chairs, programs and schools are also available. Call 903.233.3833 to establish your endowment today.
Many companies will match their employees' charitable gifts. Some will even match the donations of retirees or employees' spouses! You can make your money double or even triple and at the same time invest in students' lives.
If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer's Human Resources department. Complete, sign and send in the completed form with your gift- every time you give a gift! Inform your employer of your donation and give them LeTourneau University's mailing address (2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX 75607) so they can make the match. We will do the rest.
Giving a cash gift isn't the only way you can support LeTourneau University students. All you have to do is sign up for all the programs below and then let your shopping do the donating. It's that easy! Your normal, everyday shopping will help the LETU Annual Fund provide scholarship aid to deserving students. Thank you!
Give by Shopping
You're going to buy things anyway, right? Here are some ways your purchase can benefit LeTourneau University.
Amazon Smile
Start your shopping at smile.amazon.com, choose LeTourneau University as your selected organization, and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases.
Kroger
If you are a KrogerPlus member, Kroger's Community Rewards program donates a portion of your eligible purchases to the organization of your choice. Choose LETU! Visit https://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-community-rewards-3 to enroll with your membership card and choose LeTourneau University (NPO# 84780). Don't forget to re-enroll each year to continue in the Community Rewards program.
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb's Good Neighbor Program allows customers to direct donation dollars to a favorite church, school or other non-profit organization. Visit the courtesy booth at your local store to link your reward card to our account (use our Charity# 9090).
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