Q&A With Susan Makurath

Temple alumna Susan Makurath credits her time at Temple with her success in life. Learn more about the impact Temple made on her and why she decided to pay it forward with a legacy gift.

Q. What impact did Temple/CLA have on your life?
A. The impact of my Temple education was immeasurable. My Liberal Arts curriculum provided me with crucial skills that would help me achieve both professional and personal success. Critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal communication and a curiosity to seek knowledge are lifelong skills which can enhance both career and relationships. The diversity of the Temple student body and my intensive study of foreign languages were a springboard to gaining a different perspective on cultures and races other than my own. My viewpoint became more global.

Q. What impact do you want your donations to make at Temple/CLA today?
A. Over the years, my donations have become increasingly focused on helping students gain a “citizen of the world” approach to life—it is a critical next step prior to graduation to broaden the scope of understanding by exposure to foreign cultures.

Q. Why did you decide to include Temple in your estate plans?
A. I didn’t have the opportunity to travel abroad when I was a student at Temple due to financial constraints. When I finally did venture to other parts of the world, it was a transformational experience and altered my view of life. My commitment to inclusiveness was reaffirmed as well. I decided to launch a modest scholarship for a student to spend a semester abroad. After speaking with the first recipient, my conclusions regarding the value of the program were confirmed.

Making a legacy gift gives me the opportunity to make a contribution for decades to come. It is extremely gratifying to know my gift will make a difference in many lives and that many students will benefit from an opportunity that I did not have.

Pave the Way

Like Susan, you, too, can open doors for Temple students to become “citizens of the world.” Contact Tom Yates at (215) 926-2545 or tyates@temple.edu to learn more.