New Planned Gift Provides Unrestricted Support
Rick and Susan Hill (center) with VIMS Executive Director of Advancement Marise Robbins-Forbes (left) and VIMS Dean & Director Derek Aday (right)
VIMS Executive Director of Advancement Marise Robbins-Forbes recently interviewed VIMS Foundation President Rick Hill ’84 and his wife Susan Ng Hill about their planned gift commitment for VIMS.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Marise Robbins-Forbes: Rick, you and Susan recently documented an extraordinary $2.6 million planned gift to be split equally between William & Mary (W&M) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Thank you! What led to your decision to support both?
Rick Hill: Although I have an undergraduate degree from W&M, as a VIMS Foundation Board member I now better understand the critical work being conducted at VIMS and how researchers collaborate across the two entities. W&M’s Water Initiative and the recent restructuring of VIMS to encourage cross-collaboration across disciplines acknowledges a future where differing scientific, business, and legal practitioners will need to collaborate in creative ways to solve problems. By supporting both I can honor my alma mater while also supporting our world-class coastal and marine research institute.
MRF: Why do you support the Virginia Institute of Marine Science?
RH: My wife Susan and I value VIMS research. We want clean water, vibrant fisheries from which to draw tasty food, and resilient infrastructure that can withstand water’s occasional fury. I appreciate the scientific knowledge I learn from VIMS’ programs and world-class faculty. Their impact on coastal communities around the bay and beyond is unparalleled.
MRF: It is unusual for a gift of this magnitude to be unrestricted. How does leaving an unrestricted legacy accomplish your long-term goals?
Susan Ng Hill: We learned long ago the importance of providing unrestricted support. Rick and I first choose organizations we believe in and that are deserving of our support. By providing unrestricted gifts to these organizations, we recognize the expertise of the organization’s leadership. We trust that these leaders are best positioned to direct the funds to where they are needed most. We want organizations like VIMS to have unrestricted funds available for emerging needs and opportunities in the future—a future we cannot possibly predict.
MRF: What would you like others to know?
RH: It is my hope that our commitment spurs others to consider including VIMS in their estate planning. Susan and I are happy to highlight the importance of Leaving a Legacy to VIMS with our planned gift. This is a top priority for the VIMS Foundation as we seek to secure an even brighter future for VIMS.