Mark, BSAr'77, BAr'78, MAr'10 and Catherine, BSIA'87 McPherson

Mark and Catherine McPherson believe in the power of education. They credit Lawrence Technological University with establishing the foundation for their careers.

Mark (BSAr'77, BAr'78, MAr'10), who worked for several architectural firms before being a partner in his own firm, retired in 2017. Catherine (BSIA'87) started a design business and now works at a university in its facilities planning department.

Although the McPhersons never crossed paths on campus, they both valued LTU's hands-on practical learning approach and the working professionals who taught their courses.

"LTU made us better students and therefore better professionals," Catherine says. "We've carried everything we learned on campus through our entire careers."

Knowing how much their LTU education elevated their careers, the McPhersons established a scholarship fund in their estate plan to support student veterans and endow the equivalent of one full scholarship, for distribution to up to five students annually, in perpetuity.

"Education is a gift that lasts a lifetime," Mark says. "We see what veterans contribute to our nation and want to use our contributions to help them in their futures."

To determine the right gift option for their estate plan, the McPhersons did significant research, including having conversations with both former LTU President Dr. Virinder Moudgil and current LTU President Dr. Tarek Sobh.

"Offering scholarships to students who may not have the financial resources to attend LTU otherwise can be life-changing," Dr. Sobh says. "Establishing a bequest in an estate plan like the McPhersons have is an easy way to create a legacy of giving."

Like the McPhersons, you have the power to change the lives of future students through a gift in your estate plan. Contact Kevin Finn at 248.204.2305 or kfinn@ltu.edu to discuss your options for making a lasting difference at LTU.