Contribution Provides Opportunities
Dr. Goody Thomas ('78) was interested in becoming a dentist since high school. Following high school Goody attended Clemson University. Serving as a pilot in the Air Force during the Vietnam War delayed Goody's dream of attending dental school. He was still interested in dentistry and in 1975 was accepted and in 1978 he was able to complete dental school at the Medical University. During his dental school days, Dr. Thomas remembers "There were many professors that played an important part in shaping my career. Without the school giving me a chance I wouldn't be where I am today."
Because of the positive, life-changing experience Dr. Thomas had at MUSC, he decided to name the new Orthodontic/Pediatric Dentistry Seminar Room in the Clinical Education Center with a combination of a current pledge and a gift through his will. "I always felt like I wanted to do something to give back. The bequest method worked great for me. I hope that through my contribution as a teacher and contributor that I will help provide someone an opportunity just as I was." Dr. Thomas' advice for those who want to help the school is to "get in touch with the Development Office to learn about options available through planned giving."
Dr. Thomas resides with his wife Diane in Rock Hill, SC where he operates a private orthodontic practice. He also travels to Charleston monthly to teach part-time at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine's Division of Orthodontics.
You also may want to make it easy and convenient to have a bequest included in your will. The language below shows how a bequest can very easily be included in your will.
You might find it helpful to select the "print" button below and print this page. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please have him or her contact Toni Jernigan at phone number 843-792-2236 or email us at jernigat@musc.edu.
Example bequest language - Please feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.
1. Bequest of cash
"I bequeath the sum of $10,000 to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation of Charleston, SC."
2. Bequest of a percent of the estate
"I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, Charleston, SC."
3. Contingent Bequest
"If my brother John Doe survives me, I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to John Doe. If John Doe does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 20% of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, Charleston, SC."
