Frank and Katrina Basile

How does a 110-year old school continue to position itself as a thriving, well-respected organization of national acclaim?

Several factors come into play— strong mission, quality academic and outreach programs and talented staff, faculty and volunteers. Also, critical to maintaining a distinguished reputation are the donors who invest in the organization. Herron School of Art and Design proudly recognizes those individuals who keep the school thriving through planned (deferred) gifts made through their estate plans.

Frank and Katrina Basile is one such couple. Frank, retired senior vice president of the Gene B. Glick Company, and Katrina, a realtor with F.C. Tucker, have made multiple gifts to Herron, including outright cash gifts, gifts of securities and planned gifts. To learn more about their support to Herron click here.

As part of one gift to Herron made up of a multi-year pledge and a bequest, the Basiles most recently made a provision in their estate plans which will establish an endowment for the Basile Center for Art, Design and Public Life. Their investment will benefit Herron’s students as they collaborate with community partners while gaining real world experience through the Basile Center.

“Katrina and I integrate planned gifts into our overall giving plans because it allows us to experience the joy of giving without having to make an immediate outlay of cash,” said Frank. He added, “We enjoy the security of knowing our assets are still here and that we have thoughtfully decided what organizations and causes we want to support when we are gone.”

Frank believes that money gets left on the table by those organizations that do not seek support through planned gifts. “There’s a significant transfer of wealth on the horizon,” he stated. “I would encourage each of us to think about those organizations that are important to us and start the discussion of how we can reach out to those in which we believe.” He also believes that nonprofit organizations should help board members, donors and volunteers learn about the various ways they can support organizations beyond cash gifts.

“A bequest is a simple and effective vehicle for donors to make a difference in the lives of others for generations to come.” Frank added, “Once you’ve made your philanthropic decisions, it’s relatively easy to implement them into your estate plans. The first steps usually involve talking with your financial advisor and designating select organizations as beneficiaries.”

“Frank and Katrina continue to make a significance impact at Herron,” shared Valerie Eickmeier, dean. “They believe in the school’s mission, the talents of our students and faculty and are willing to invest in Herron’s future. Support through their estate plans will continue to enable important programs and exciting initiatives to become a reality.”

When talking about Herron’s students and facilities, a smile appears on Frank’s face. He shared, “Katrina and I enjoy the energy and excitement that we experience as we spend time at Eskenazi Hall and the recently named Eskenazi Fine Arts Center. The creativity is so inspiring.”

He added, “For those considering naming Herron as a beneficiary in their estate plans, I encourage you to think in terms of what you can be enjoying now rather than waiting until you’re gone or even worse, not making plans at all.”

Herron’s staff and faculty look forward to learning about your philanthropic plans today so that your generosity can be recognized during your lifetime. Herron will make it a priority to show you how your generosity will make a difference. As always, your support may be given anonymously, if you prefer. Simply notify Herron’s development staff about your philanthropic plans.


Contact us for more information about remembering Herron in your estate plans or other ways of giving.

Kim Hodges, MPA
Director of Development
317-278-9472
kshodges@iu.edu