Annual Giving
Rogers Society Luncheon Highlights the Power of Planned Giving
Celebrating the impact of planned giving, members of the Henry and Emma Rogers Society gathered at the group’s annual luncheon on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. The May 2025 event honored the alumni, faculty, and friends who have included the University in their estate plans.
Kristin McDonnell ’85 (’21, ’23, ’25 P), president of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) Board of Directors and University trustee, served as the emcee. E. Patrick Johnson, dean of the School of Communication and the Annenberg University Professor, delivered the keynote address.
In his remarks, Johnson—who was named dean in 2020 after two decades at the School of Communication—highlighted some of the wide-ranging programs that fall under his purview, including theatre and dance, radio powerhouse WNUR, and the Northwestern Debate Society.
The positive impact of these programs extends beyond the Northwestern community, explained Johnson. “The research and scholarship we do directly benefits the health and wellness of populations across the lifespan, the functions of democracy and rigorous debate, and the examination, creation, and enjoyment of performing arts and cultural exchange,” Johnson said.
Noting that the School of Communication is known as the “birthplace of audiology,” he invited guests to tour the Northwestern University Center for Audiology, Speech, Language, and Learning (NUCASLL) following the luncheon.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of planned gifts in carrying out this school’s diverse initiatives, honoring several donors in his remarks.
He shared the story of Eugene Niezgoda, who left an impactful bequest to the Northwestern University Aphasia Center, part of NUCASLL, when he passed away in 2018. Niezgoda made the gift in honor of his wife, Anita, who received treatment at the center.
Johnson also recognized late talk show host and soap opera creator Lee Phillip Bell ’50 (’18 GP), who left a generous bequest to the School of Communication when she passed away in 2020. Her gift funded the William and Lee Phillip Bell Fellowship for Writing for the Screen and Stage.
“Planned gifts to Northwestern and our school are pivotal to our work here today, but more importantly to the impact we will continue to make well into the future,” Johnson said.
He thanked Rogers Society members for their generosity and vision, saying, “The projects and initiatives you support with a planned gift are not anything you will necessarily get to see come to fruition. You believe that it should happen—not for you but for others—and you make the sacrifice to ensure that it is so. What a remarkable legacy.”
McDonnell, who also spoke at the luncheon, announced that she plans to add Northwestern to her own estate plan, in part because of her appreciation for the education she received as an undergraduate engineering student. The managing partner and founder of technology investment firm Menlo Group, McDonnell remarked, “I owe Northwestern and the education I received here for allowing me to navigate the changing landscape of technology over the years.”
McDonnell’s deep commitment to the University also played a role in her decision to create a legacy at Northwestern. She serves on the Board of Trustees, NAA Board, Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Advisory Board, and Kellogg Tech Council. McDonnell and her husband, John, are also the proud parents of three Northwestern alumni.
Camille Licklider, senior executive director of gift planning, provided an update on planned gift activity. Since last year’s luncheon, she reported, the University has received 263 planned gifts valued at more than $76 million. The Rogers Society welcomed nearly 70 new members, bringing the total to almost 2,000 individuals who live in 48 states and eight countries.
As the luncheon concluded, Johnson shared another message of gratitude for the alumni and friends who support the future of Northwestern, saying, “I thank you, Rogers Society members, for your vision and generosity—and the faith you have in the work of our school and University.”