Often when we hear the phrase ‘estate planning’ we assume that it’s something considered by those nearing their retirement years, or by those with abundant wealth, or at the very least – someone whose kids are pretty much grown and the career going well. When, in fact, estate planning can begin at any age and the ability to make a difference is not determined by wealth but by intent.
A person can begin his or her estate plan at any age. Such is the case of Jair Kollasch, a former LSSU engineering student, who is currently working full-time and attending Michigan State University. Jair has made provisions to support Lake Superior State University by leaving a life insurance policy to the University because, “LSSU made a real difference in his life,” says Mark Jastorff, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at LSSU. “Jair has provided for Lake Superior State University because this place represents ‘home’ to him, and he considers many of us here as family.”
Jair, who lives in Howell, Michigan, attended LSSU from 1998 to 2000. He took part in an overnight admissions program in the Spring of 1998, and selected Lake State as his college of choice based on the academic programs available and because of the people.
“I remember that weekend where I met all sorts of people, and hanging out with SAILS (Student Alumni Involved for Lake State) that night,” said Jair, “the feel of the campus just made it all right,” he added.
He fell in love with the campus, the people, the culture and the personal atmosphere at LSSU. As a freshman in September 1998, Jair jumped into life as a student. He was an honor student, in Student Government, SAILS (Student Alumni Involved for Lake State), and was a Brady Hall Resident Assistant. For all that and more, he was also named LSSU’s Outstanding Male Freshman.
His sophomore year, it was more of the same as he was elected District 5 representative for the Association of Student Advancement Programs, was a student manager for the LSSU Call Center and continued to fast track his engineering degree.
Jair transferred to State because his employer, Central Conveyor, wanted him to earn a degree that LSSU could not offer. So he traded life as a student for that of the working world – now he works full time at Central, attends classes and will graduate next year. He also serves as and serves as firefighter and EMT for the City of Howell.
This summer, he is planning to take an additional class so that he can complete his Lake Superior State University Associate’s degree.
“It is important to me to legitimately claim that I am a Lake State alumnus.”
he says. “Thanks to my classmates, and people like Mark Jastorff, Ray Adams and my professors, I am truly a Laker at heart.”
By choosing to make LSSU part of his estate plan, Jair Kollasch joins a group of esteemed individuals who are the founding members of the LSSU Superior Legacy Society. The society recognizes those who have provided for the University in their estate plan through bequests, trusts or an insurance policy. For more information on becoming a member of the Superior Legacy Society please contact the LSSU Foundation Office, 906-635-2666, email deitland@lssu.edu or visit www.lssu.edu/foundation.
The Lake Superior State University Foundation was founded in 1983 and makes its home at the Lukenda Alumni House, one of the original Fort Brady Row Houses at the eastern end of campus. The Foundation oversees a vast amount of scholarship activities, events and other philanthropic activities to help educate the public on various ways to give to Lake Superior State University.
Lake Superior State University Foundation
650 W. Easterday Ave
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
