Bill Bowerman’s story is a testament to the legacy of Phi Kappa Phi—and how you can strengthen it 

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, Phi Kappa Phi reflects on the enduring power of academic excellence and service — values that have guided our society since 1897. This winter, we invite you to join us in safeguarding what matters most: your loved ones and the legacy of our scholars who are shaping a better future. 

Society member and ecologist Bill Bowerman embodies this spirit of transformation. With support from Phi Kappa Phi’s Mary Todd Sabbatical Award, Bowerman expanded his research into avian flu, yielding groundbreaking insights that protect human health on a global scale. His work, featured on the front page of The Washington Post, exemplifies how visionary supporters like you empower scholars to tackle challenges that benefit us all. 

“It has already changed my life,” Bowerman shared of Phi Kappa Phi’s impact on his career. Thanks to visionary supporters like you, his work is now changing the lives of others too. 

Just as Bowerman’s legacy safeguards communities worldwide, you have the power to secure your own legacy — one that reflects your values, supports your loved ones, and uplifts the next generation of scholars. That’s why we’ve partnered with FreeWill to offer you a free estate planning tool. 

No matter your assets or life stage, everyone needs a legal will or revocable trust to plan for the future. Making a plan is an essential way to protect your loved ones, dictate a strategy for your assets, and create a lasting commitment to the causes you value, including, if you choose, our commitment to superior scholarship. 

Why should I create a legacy gift to Phi Kappa Phi? 
Legacy gifts ensure that Phi Kappa Phi can continue to empower scholars like Bowerman to push the boundaries of knowledge and tackle critical global challenges. If an immediate cash gift isn’t right for you, or if you want a more concrete, long-term investment in the next generation of scholars, this method of giving is a powerful way to shape the future for generations to come. 

FreeWill’s intuitive resource simplifies the willmaking process, enabling you to document your wishes quickly and securely from the comfort of your home. While this tool is not a substitute for legal advice, it can be used independently or as a helpful starting point when working with an attorney. You won’t need to submit any sensitive personal information, and you’ll finish with a PDF of your plan that you can sign in accordance with the included instructions. FreeWill is legally valid in all 50 states and D.C. Get started on your free will today! 

By planning ahead this winter, you will honor your values, protect your loved ones, and leave a permanent mark on the world of higher education. Will 2025 be the year you cross an essential resolution off your list?  

If you have any further questions about FreeWill or legacy giving at Phi Kappa Phi, please contact Elizabeth Kline, director of development, at ekline@phikappaphi.org.