Open Letter: Bringing Others to the Table

As many members of the Clock Tower Society know, estate planning and planned giving is easier when you have the right people on your team to help you. That’s why we are excited to introduce our most loyal supporters like you to Jerry Pickman, Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the the Missouri Western State University Foundation.

Jerry Pickman is a 1985 graduate of Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He returned to MWSU in 2004, eventually serving as Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the the Missouri Western State University Foundation. Following four years with a local healthcare system, Jerry rejoined MWSU's Advancement team in his current capacity as Senior Philanthropy Advisor.

Jerry holds an Executive MBA from Benedictine College. Jerry is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy in 2006. He recently achieved certification as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). With over 18 years of leadership experience in higher education philanthropy, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his role.

Hear directly from Jerry below in an open letter he penned to invite you and others to join him as we strive to support Missouri Western State University and our students:

Dear Friends,

Growing up in a lively household with seven siblings, I quickly learned the value of having a seat at the table. Amidst the chaos of our small kitchen, those precious moments offered more than just a meal; they were opportunities for invaluable conversations and learning. Today, as the Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Missouri Western State University, I find myself still drawn to the table, relishing in the connections and discussions it fosters.

Whether I'm seated with a couple in their kitchen, gathered around our conference room table, or joining other trusted advisors in an attorney's office, I find great joy in helping individuals realize their philanthropic aspirations. Assisting them through many of the complexities of charitable gift planning in collaboration with their professional advisors, I strive to alleviate any apprehensions and emphasize the diverse avenues through which these goals can be achieved—often extending beyond cash contributions to include various assets.

I invite you to explore the wealth of information available on the the Missouri Western State University Foundation website under the “Gift & Estate Planning” tab. It contains a treasure trove of resources designed to demystify the philanthropic journey. And should you wish to delve deeper into your own goals and how Missouri Western State University can benefit from your generosity, I wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to join you at the table.

Warm regards,
Jerry Pickman ’85, MBA, CAP^®, CFRE, CFRM
Senior Philanthropy Advisor