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Robert Armbruster ’63

Robert Armbruster

Robert Armbruster

Social Justice Legacy Robert Armbruster ’63 truly embodied the Jesuit imperative that compels Saint Peter's University graduates to live as men and women for others. After Armbruster was tragically killed in a traffic accident in 2018, his family sought to honor his deep commitment to social justice by establishing the Robert Armbruster ’63 Social Justice Endowed Scholarship at the University. His brother, Bill Armbruster ’71, was the impetus behind the new scholarship. “I just think this is a very appropriate way to honor Bob, who was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” Bill said.

A longtime journalist and editor, Robert spent much of his career at well-known newspapers, including The Record, The Star-Ledger and The Wall Street Journal, as well as The Catholic Advocate, the newspaper published by the Archdiocese of Newark. Outside the newsroom, he devoted his time to helping others, overseeing a meal program for the homeless at St. John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, N.J., and serving homeless families through Family Promise of Bergen County.

Following Robert’s death, Bill wanted to establish a legacy to carry on his brother’s deep commitment to social justice. Bill contributed funds inherited from Robert’s estate to create the endowed scholarship. Already, two other Armbruster brothers, as well as a number of Saint Peter’s alumni and friends, have also contributed. The Robert Armbruster ’63 Social Justice Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to support students engaged in social justice.

“Technically, Bob was a German major, but he always said his real major was The Pauw Wow, which he edited in his senior year. Bob worked as a journalist, but he had a strong interest in social justice. This scholarship will help to advance those same values in a new generation of students,” added Bill.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

   

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Saint Peter's University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

 Bequest Language

The official bequest language for Saint Peter's University is: "I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Saint Peter's University, 2641 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City, NJ 07306 [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose." 

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Saint Peter's University or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays the University set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the gift tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Saint Peter's University as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Saint Peter's University as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Saint Peter's University where you agree to make a gift to Saint Peter's University and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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