November 19, 2012
Financial planning can be confusing, which is why access to the
most up-to-date information is crucial for making the best
decisions about our economic future. At St. John’s University, the
Office of Gift Planning is committed to providing that information
through programs designed to directly benefit the alumni.
One such program is Meet the Experts, a popular presentation that
is held at convenient locations both on and off the University’s
campuses. At these information sessions, alumni share their
expertise on topics including tax and estate planning, legal
matters and tips for successful financial planning now and in the
future.
“We’re fortunate that many St. John’s graduates are
experts in the fields of estate and financial planning, tax
preparation, elder law and real estate,” noted Susan Damiani
’87CBA, Director, Office of Gift Planning. “A few times each year
we sponsor these combined panel discussions and information
sessions where they share their expertise with other members of the
University community. That’s a real example of alumni helping
alumni.”
A frequent presenter at Meet the Experts, attorney Gerard Wrynn
’85CBA, ’87L has practiced primarily in the area of wills,
trusts and estates since 1988. He also has extensive experience
dealing with the Internal Revenue Service regarding the processing
and audit of estate and gift tax returns, both at the agent and
appeals level.
Wrynn believes that given the reality of today’s economic times,
professional advice is vital to help ensure that hard-working
families will not be confused by the changes in the tax laws that
occur nearly every year.
“An attorney’s role in estate planning is to help clients hold on
to what they took their entire life to accumulate,” he said, “and
be able to pass it on to the next generation or generations or to
whomever they choose. There are a number of ways to accomplish
that, and we can help them sort through the options that are
available by working within the current tax laws, not only for
today but for the future. St. John’s did so much for me, and is
still helping students today, so making presentations at a seminar
such as this is my way of showing my appreciation and giving
back.”
While Private Wealth Manager John Ceparano ’85CBA agrees
that access to timely and accurate information is vital for
successful financial planning, he also stresses that people need to
be certain that the professionals whom they consult are willing to
serve their needs as an individual rather than simply as just
another client.
“When you’re dealing with financial planning or wealth management
professionals, the best person is one who typically listens twice
as much as they speak, so that they can then ask good questions,”
he said. “Finding an advisor with the best credentials is the
starting point, but people need to look further and find someone
who really has their best interests at heart. There’s no single
solution that’s right for everyone. Before deciding on a
professional, everything needs to be taken into consideration,
including their expertise, their credentials and their ability to
communicate.”
Alumni are grateful to the Office of Gift Planning for helping them
to secure a stable financial future. They are well aware that the
decisions they make today will have an impact on them and their
family for the rest of their lives, and are eager to take advantage
of what these experts have to offer.
“St. John’s has always been supportive of me in a number of ways,”
said Kathleen LaVache ’74Ed, who attended a recent Meet the Experts
presentation on the Queens campus. “This is the first time that
I’ve really thought about estate planning in a formal way, and I’ve
learned some things that will ensure that my money will not run out
before I do. Listening to my fellow alumni puts things into
perspective and gives me a much better sense of what I need to do
for the future. Once again, St. John’s is making a difference
for its alumni. No matter how long ago we’ve graduated, the
University is always there for us.”