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In 2008, NOLS embarked on a five-year strategicplan focused on increasing the strength, depth,breadth, and balance of the school. The plan, called

Expedition 2013, will come to a close at the end of

the calendar year.

Expedition 2013 has five main goals that permeate

how the school operates and have been incorporated

nto the annual plans and daily decisions of eachocation and department.

The strategic goal of diversity broadens the

NOLS community to include students, faculty, and

staff of more varied backgrounds. NOLS believes that

multiple perspectives and experiences are essential to

earning. The school defines diversity as encompassing

ethnicity, race, socio-economic background, gender,

sexual orientation, faith, age, and national origin.

Financial aid is an integral par t of this initiative.

It is essential to include under-resourced students and

faculty in programming in order to reach a broader

audience and fulfill NOLS mission. Since fiscal year

2008, the school has increased the amount available

by 28 percent, and NOLS awarded scholarships to613 students in fiscal year 2012.

Our strategic goal of enhancing staff excellence

specifically includes seeking, developing, and retaining

staff and field faculty who provide exceptional student

experiences. Our efforts over the last six years have

resulted in increases in compensation with gains ahead

of inflation rates. This increase has enabled NOLS

to evaluate compensation across the school. In fiscal

year 2012, wages were up to or above comparables of

ndustry standards for field faculty.

In further efforts to enhance staff excellence,

the NOLS Faculty Summit was revived in 2011, and

the third annual professional development seminar

geared specifically toward field faculty is scheduled

for May 2013 in Lander. Over 175 instructors from

10 countries attended the Summit in 2012. This event

provides thought-provoking workshops, invaluable

networking, and invigorating training through rescue

and wilderness medicine clinics.

NOLS improves educational outcomes andimpacts for students through evidence-based

curriculum development. Through the course quality

survey, the school developed the capacity to collect,

evaluate, and use objective data in the design of what

and how it teaches.

The course quality survey utilizes a Likert scale

and is framed around program quality factors. Over

the past three years, the highest ratings have been given

to safety and instructors and the lowest to learning

mechanisms and pre-course services. The lower

scores are still averaging out to an Agree statement,

a positive sign. Program areas being improved upon

include nutrition, gear, and instructor effectiveness.

In commitment to NOLS core values of wilderness

and excellence, the school is working diligently to

achieve greater environmental stewardship. NOLS

seeks to practice and teach responsible use of natural

resources, by integrating them into student experien

and the global NOLS community. In the Un

States, the school produces 10 percent of its eneneeds through renewables that serve the dual purp

of educating staff, students, and local communit

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E N O L S D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I C E

FRIENDSS U P P O R T I N G E X C E L L E N C E A T N O L S A P R I L 2 0 1

Expedition 2013: Providing Vision and Guiding Action

FRIENDSIS FOR PEOPLE COMMITTED TO HELPING NOLS PROVIDE THE WORLDS BEST EDUCATION IN WILDERNESS SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP.

This newsletter aims to provide useful and interesting information on charitable gift planning and supporters of the school. NOLS is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory services. State laws govern wills, trusts, and m

charitable gifts, and these laws vary from state to state. While NOLS welcomes and encourages inquiries about the material in this publication, individuals should consult with their professional advisors when planning their wills or deferred

As a full-time field instructor, I have been positively impacted by Expedition 2013. The goal of staf f excellence has mean

branch level commitment to helping me continue developing as a mountaineer and grow as an educator. By deepening

own skill sets, I am able to pass on more to my students.

Anne Peick, NOLS Instructor

By Melissa Hemken, Foundation Relations Officer

Expedition 2013 provides perspective on

daily jobs in the bigger picture of NOLS. Iinspiring to realize the enormous undertak

that NOLS embarked on five years ago. Ev

single task and contribut

has had an impact in

meaningful mission of

school and the lives of fut

leaders around the world.

Carolina G. Corts, NOLS Mexico Director

In order to have a successful expedition, a team needs to prepare properly for potential challenges. As Expedition 2013 comes to a c

we are confident we have made the proper measures to ensure the long-term success of NOLS.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

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F R

Longtime member ofthe NOLS family BillMurdock first made his way

to Lander, Wyo. in 1970.

Hooked, Murdock headed

back into the Wind River

Mountains as an Assistant

Patrol Leader the day after

coming off his student

course. Thus began his long career with NOLS.

For the next several years, Murdock returned

to Lander during the summer, hitchhiking cross-

country all the way from North Carolina to do so.

NOLS ultimately brought him to Alaska for a Denali

climb. One of the many life changing experiencesfrom NOLS, it directed his personal and professional

life, assisting his decision to move to and start a

family in Kodiak, Alaska.

I had a very a passionate attachment to the

school that has continued to this day, he said, My

attachment to NOLS is probably the longest running

thing in my life other than my attachment to my own

core family.

Through the years, NOLS has remained a

constant. Murdock explained that NOLS is on the

list of things that seems like its always been there

and always will. For him, a life witho

unimaginable. Thats understandable

time or another, Murdock has worked a

and course leader, at the Lumberyard

Mountain), or as a driver, in addition

the Board of Trustees and Advisory C

also a supportive NOLS parent.

His attachment is due largely to the

ethic that transfers from being in the

into the frontcountry.

Theres more than just personal

occurs on a NOLS course, Murdo

There is a cultural and social ethic of

that comes out of a NOLS course tha

other forms of education. The huge cultural and societal bene

education is one of the reasons that

included NOLS in his will.

I also feel very fortunate, lucky, an

part of this organization. It has been a g

Its been the gift of a lifetime.

The NOLS Summit Team, established recognition society for donors who includtheir estate plans or establish some other NOLS. For more information, contact Nment at (800) 332-4280 or developmen

Lori BukiewiczCREATINGCOMMUNITYINTHEBIGAPPLE

By Rich Brame, Alumni Relations Director

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Our graduates often come off their NOLSadventures with two strong desires: to do moreoutdoor activities and to help the school. There

are many ways to support NOLS; philanthropy is

one obvious and powerful way to be involved, but

motivated alumni can also lend volunteer energy to

the mix.

Lori Bukiewicz is a fantastic example of how

creative and enthusiastic volunteers can contribute to

the schools success by building a NOLS community

in their hometown. In the fall of 1999, Bukiewicz

headed to Africa for a NOLS semesterhiking

through the bamboo forests, scree, and high (over

16,000 feet) boulder fields on Mt. Kenya, sailing

dhows, snorkeling and windsurfing on the coast,

living with the Maasai, and safari trekking. Her

instructors noted that, her smile and positive attitude

made her a joy to be around, and felt that, Lori can

become a very strong leader. Those instructor observations from 14 years ago

certainly hold true today. Since 2003, Bukiewicz has

taken a leadership role with the

NOLS New York City alumni

group. She and her cohorts have

consistently organized social

events, reunions, river paddles,

ski adventures, and holiday

parties for NOLS graduates in

the Big Apple.

Beyond just being fun, alumni ev

our grads with each other and creat

community across the miles, years, an

a NOLS education. Burkiewiczs long-t

efforts in New York City bring NOLS

and neighborhoods of our graduates. W

in the fall of 2012 she received the A

Award for her stalwart dedication to t

City NOLS community.

If you are interested in becoming a NOLScatalyst within your own community, pleasat www.alumni@nols.edu.

SUMMIT TEAM PROFILE

Bill MurdockGIVINGBACKTHEGIFTOFALIFETIME

By Larkin Flora, Communications Coordinatorprinciple Plan Ahead and Prepare is a key

int to Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Its

important way to lead your life, providing

y even through the ups and downs. Over your

uve worked hard and saved. Like many of us,

obably have a retirement plan. Yet, if you dont

it for your fiscal security during retirement,

an could be gathering metaphorical dust.

ur retirement plan may be an inefficient means

sfer assets to your family members. If left in

te, retirement plan assets are often subject to

x rates, resulting in an unplanned gift to

eral government. Funds could ultimately be

subject to both income and estate taxes. State taxes

can add even more, further diminishing the eventual

value of the assets. Yet there is an option that allows

you to avoid most, if not all, or these taxes.

AVOIDDOUBLETAXATIONTax-deferred retirement plan assets often provide a

convenient pocket from which to make charitable

gifts. Because contributions to qualified plans

are frequently made with before-tax dollars,

those assets are subject to taxation when they are

withdrawn. Many couples and individual s defer

receiving income from pension plans until they

reach the mandatory age of 70.5, then taking only

the minimum distribution. Thus the plan continues

to grow, and when it is passed down to heirs it can

be subject to double taxation, a double-whammy of

estate and income taxes.

Rather than make an unintended donation to the

federal government, you can use retirement assets to

fund charitable donations. There are a few of ways

to accomplish this, including naming NOLS as

a beneficiary of your IRA. Or you might use your

retirement assets to establish a charitable remainder

trust. The trust pays income to you, or your

beneficiaries, for life or a term of years and eventually

funds an important gift to NOLS.

You can also fund a bequest with your retirement

assets. This plan might very well produce the pleasant

result of your heirs receiving more than if retirement

assets were left directly to family and charitable

bequests were made from other assets in your estate.

It allows you to protect your retirement assets and

your childrens inheritance from excessive taxation.

DUSTOFFYOURLIFE

INSURANCEPOLICYAnother oft-forgotten safety net is life insurance,

and it just so happens that this is one of the most

straightforward ways to support NOLS. The most

common methodespecially if you have a policy

your family no longer needsis to designate NOLS

the owner of that policy. This option allows an

immediate income tax deduction. Or you can simply

name the school as a beneficiary. Because the latter

is not an irrevocable designation, you do not receive

an immediate income tax deduction; however, at

your death your executor can take a federal estate tax

deduction for the full amount.

Our community shares a commitment to

wilderness, educa tion, leadership, safet y, community,

and excellence. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational

institution we cannot support all of our important

projects with operating revenue alone. A gift to NOLS

MoeWitschard

state Gifts from Your Forgotten Pocket

IRA ROLLOVER

Set to expire Dec. 31, 2011, Congress

extended the Individual Retirement

Accounts (IRA) charitable rollover into

2013 as part of the fiscal cliff deal.

This allows donors age 70.5 and overto make direct, tax-free donations of

up to $100,000 per year to a charitable

organization. Donations must be made

from a traditional or Roth IRA, and donors

need not report the donated amount

as income on their federal tax returns.

It should be noted that IRA charitable

rollovers cannot be used to fund gift

annuities or other life income gifts.

E N D S

FT OPTIONS USING YOURETIREMENT PLAN POCKET

Make an IRA charitable rollover

Name NOLS as a beneficiary of your IRA

or life insurance policy

Gift NOLS your life insurance policy that

you no longer need

Start a Charitable Remainder Trust

Make a gift now out of your retirement plan

from your retirement pocket ensures the

continuation of these values that define us

and our mission.

To find out more about any of these gift options,contact the NOLS Development staff today at(800 332-4280 or development@nols.edu

u are 70.5 or older, you must

a distribution from your

deferred retirement account.

ad of paying income taxes on

distribution, use these assets

ake a gift to NOLS!

8/13/2019 Friends Spring 2013

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In a historic undertaking, NOLS will run anexpedition of the first predominantly AfricanAmerican team to attempt to summit Denali, North

Americas tal lest mountain.

In June 2013, the 100th anniversary of the peaksfirst ascent, Expedition Denali will set out on their

ourney. The group of role models in the African

American outdoor community will learn and utilize

valuable leadership skillsincluding expedition be-

havior, communication, and tolerance for adversity

and uncertaintyto work together toward achieving

a common goal.

More importantly, after the expedition the

participants will tour schools, nonprofit institutions,

outdoor organizations, community organizations,

and church groups nationwide. These post-expedition

speaking and media engagements will give these role

models a platform to inspire youth of color to connect

with Americas wild places and take on outdoorpursuits they never imagined possible.

Joining Expedition Denali as sponsors are The

North Face and REI. The North Face will outfit the

team as the technical gear sponsor. As retail sponsor,

REI will provide funding to help underwrite the costs

of Expedition Denali.

This diverse team of inspiring individuals has

the opportunity to ignite a passion for the outdoors

in the next generation of outdoor explorers, said Ann

Krcik, director of outdoor exploration at The No

Face. Were proud to be able to offer the team

best outdoor gear and equipment from The No

Face to help make this expedition a success.

The dedication shown by the NOLS ExpeditDenali team will serve as a motivation to other

lead active lifestyles and to find their own version

Denali, said Laura Swapp, REIs director of diver

and inclusion. Their journey perfectly aligns w

our commitment to inspire others and to be insp

by them.

The North Face and REI join partners such as

Foundation for Youth Investment, the Sierra C

and First Lady Michelle Obamas Lets Move Outs

campaign to help NOLS launch the expedition.

The North Face is the premier supplier

innovative equipment and apparel, and REI is

of outdoor recreations best known brands,

NOLS Diversity and Inclusion Manager ApaRajagopal-Durbin. We are delighted to have bot

them backing this historic project, which will hel

narrow the gap between people of color and the wo

of adventure and inspire people to connect with

outdoor spaces.

For more details and to follow the teams progr

visit www.expeditiondenali.nols.edu.

4 F R I E N D S

NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL| 284 Lincoln Street Lander, Wyoming 82520 (800) 332-4280Larkin Flora, Editor. To subscribe, contact: NOLS Development (307) 335-2276 development@nols.eduFriends is printed on 100% recycled, 60%-PCW FSC-certified paper.

PHILANTHROPIC TIDBIT

GIFTS AT WORK

Expedition DenaliINSPIRING YOUTH OF COLOR

PEASE AMENDEMENT NOT A

CAUSE FOR CONCERNBy Larkin Flora, Communications Coordinator

This past January, Congress reinstated the Pease limitation

on itemized deductions as part of the fiscal cliff deal. Firs

established in 1990, this provision affects those above a

certain threshold: individuals earning over $250,000 andcouples filing jointly earning over $300,000 per year.

The Pease limitation reduces itemized deductions

by 3 percent of gross income above the threshold. This

provision is not a penalty for itemized deductions, and

should not be a disincentive to donating to your favorite

charities. Rather, it is surtax on income above a certain

threshold. In fact, if the Pease reduction were more than

the standard deduction, that deduction could not be

reduced by more that 80 percent.

Example 1John Donor earns $350,000 in 2013 and has

$75,000 in standard deductions. Since he is filing alone

his income above the $250,000 threshold is $100,000

The Pease reduction for John is 3 percent of $100,000, o

$3,000. So his allowable deduction for 2013 is $72,000.Example 2Phil and Anne Thropist jointly earn $1,000,000

in 2013. Their income above the $300,000 Pease

threshold is $700,000. The Pease reduction3 percent o

$700,000 should be $21,000, but they only have $7,000

in standard deductions. Since the Pease reduction may no

be more than 80 percent of the standard deduction, the

Thropists allowable deduction for 2013 is $1,400.

By Abinand Devan, Stewardship Coordinator

Currently, all branch locations are conducting

sustainability audits that will increase efficiency andfinancial savings. NOLS is also focusing on how its

vehicle fleet is managed. In 2012, the school hosted

a Petroleum Reduction Seminar with nearly 30

participants from five NOLS locations from across

the globe. Alternative fuels that were discussed

ncluded compressed natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol,

electric, and hybrid options.

To pursue its mission as a nonprofit school and

to achieve its strategic and operating goals, NOLS

must increase its philanthropic support. Expedition

2013 includes Campaign NOLS: Endowing Our

Core Values. NOLS has been challenged by generous

donors to raise $19,250,000 by the end of December

of this year. If NOLS meets this challenge, it will

receive a capstone gift of $750,000. A componentof Campaign NOLS is to increase staff and faculty

giving. Fiscal year 2012 saw 55 percent participation;

a record of 460 staff gifts totaling $65,000. For

more on the progress on Campaign NOLS, read

Campaign NOLS: Mission Based, Values Driven

located in the campaign insert.

The base of Expedition 2013 was to focus on what

NOLS does, strive to do it better, reach a broader au-

dience, and remain a leader in the outdoor industry.

As NOLS completes the current strategic plan and

begins to look forward to the next five-year map, it

will s tay committed to its va lues of safety, education,

wilderness, community, leadership, and excel lence.

EXPEDITION 2013 CONTINUED...

By comparing the plans five primary goals to where we are today, I can see

the 2013 strategic plan kept the school on track even as we had to adjust to

unexpected and consequential events. NOLS is stronger today because of its

ability to make a plan and follow through.

John Whisnant, NOLS Advisory Council

Expedition Denali team members visit NOLS International Headquarters in Lander, WY.

BradChristensen

8/13/2019 Friends Spring 2013

4/5CONTACT US: Phone:(800) 332-4280 Web:www.nols.edu/giving Email: development@nols.edu

A $20 MILLIONCAMPAIGNMADEUPOF$15 MILLIONTOSTRENGTHENOURENDOWMENTAND$5 MILLIONFORANNUALPHILANTHROPICSUPPO

CAMPAIGNNOLSEndowing Our Core Values

As with climbing a mountain, the final stretch of a campaign can often be the most challenging. Itwill take the whole NOLS teamalumni, parents, staff and friendsto reach our $20 million

goal by December 31.

FredrikNorrsell

OurPlaceonTheMap

:

CAM

PAIGNPROGRESS

$20 MILLION

$18 MILLION

$16 MILLION

$14 MILLION

$12 MILLION

$

10 MILLION

$8 MILLION

$6 MILLION

$4 MILLION

$2 MILLION

$0

One aspect of NOLS current strategic plan,Expedition 2013, is to increase the schoolsphilanthropic support. The initiative, Campaign

NOLS: Endowing Our Core Values, will allow the

school to continue to pursue its mission as a 501(c)3

educational institution: to be the leading source andteacher of wilderness and leadership skills that serve

people and the environment.

The majority of the $20 million campaign will

go to strengthen the schools endowment with the

remainder directed to annual philanthropic support.

This campaign will not only help us achieve the goals

we have set for ourselves, it wil l also allow NOLS to

financially prepare for the future. The stability andstrength provided by a strong endowment are vital

to ensuring the continuation of our core values

safety, education, wilderness, community, leader

and excellence.

As with many ambitious achievements, the fi

stretch can often be the most difficult. Fortunate

few of our major donors planned ahead and prep

us for this by initiating the final challenge. If NOcan raise $19,250,000 from alumni, parents, st

and friends by the end of December of this year,

Campaign NOLS: Mission Based, Values DrivenBy Larkin Flora, Communications Coordinator

While we are encouraged and gratified by the fantastic support NOLS has received during the campaign, we have some work

do in the final year. I can think of few better uses of philanthropic dollars than enabling those who would otherwise be una

to experience NOLS to do soliving and learning in the outdoor classroom, developing leadership skills, and building charac

These young men and women are our future. The case is very compelling.

Greg Avis, Campaign NOLS National Steering Committee Chair

Capstone gift of $750,000

Remainder to be raised to recieve capstone: $1,425,0Current fundraising total: $17, 825,000

Mid-campaign gift recieved after raising initial $10 million

CONTINUED ON BAC

8/13/2019 Friends Spring 2013

5/5CONTACT US: Phone:(800) 332-4280 Web:www.nols.edu/giving Email: development@nols.edu

Like many of our supporters, FredHammerman and his wife Marrisa Weselytake great pleasure in giving away a certain

percentage of their income to non-profit

organizations every year.

As a college student in 1983, Hammerman

found himself on a month-long NOLS course

in the Cascade Wilderness. Thirty years later,

he still looks back on his course with NOLS

as a formative life experience. Wesely and

Hammerman both agree that NOLS continues

to do important work. Thankfully, we are

among the handful of organizations that they

choose to support annually. When approached

about supporting Campaign NOLS, Wesely

wondered if there was another way to help

beyond making a one-time gift.

Campaign NOLS capstone challenge

encourages donors to leverage their giving

through multi-year pledges of up to five

years. Loyal supporters, like Hammerman

and Wesely, are able to help NOLS close the

gap by multiplying the impact of their annual

contributions. The total amount of the pledge

is counted toward the campaign goal, meaning

theyand youcan do more to support

leadership and wilderness education today.

Were happy to talk with you about the options

for leveraging your gift. If you are intere sted inmaking a multi-year pledge to Campaign NOLS,

please g ive us a call at 800-332-4280.

Multiply Your ImpactWITH A FIVE-YEAR PLEDGE

By Judd Rogers, Development Officer

school will receive a capstone gift of $750,000 to

help us reach our final goal of $20,000,000.

On any expedition, there are benefits to planning

ahead and preparing a s well as assessing ones place

on the map. As NOLS enters the final stage of our

current strategic plan and Campaign NOLS, we have

ust over $1.4 mil lion and eight months left to reach

this goal. There are many ways to give, including

rrevocable planned gifts and multi-year pledges. To

earn more about how to Multiply Your Impact, read

the proceeding article.

We are confident that we can meet this ambitious

challenge, but we need all of our supporters help to

do it. Thanks to all of our supporters over the past

years for helping to ensure that NOLS will remain

the leader in wilderness education.

Please consider making a gift to Campaign NOLS

today. Give us a call at 800-332-4280 or go online towww.nols.edu/edonate.

NOLS Volunteer LeadershipGIVING BACK MORE THAN JUST TIME

CAMPAIGN NOLS CONTINUED...

At NOLS, we believe in the power of a wilderness experience to shape positive, ethical leaders. Campaign NOLS will ensure a strong future for NOLS so we can help create the leaders of tomor

By Larkin Flora, Communications Coordinator

Leadership, according to NOLS Board of TrusteesChair Kate Williams, is about cultivating thosedeas, people, and institutions that move us toward

a better world. But ultimately there is a core element

of giving back in the act of leadership.

Williams is one of a number of NOLS volunteer

eaders who give back to the school with their time,

as well as philanthropic support. These individuals

are highly motivated and committed NOLS future.

The NOLS mission and values continue to

be as relevant today as they have been for the past

48 years, explained John Whisnant, co-chair

of the NOLS Advisory Council, The quality of

the educational experience in pristine wildernessclassrooms is without equal. The staff and instructors

are loyal, highly skilled, and motivated to teach. The

leadership is well governed and engaged.

Both Whisnant and Williams agree that their

personal leadership skills have significantly grown

from being a part of NOLS leadership team. They

have a birds-eye view of the school and understand the

importance of the values we impart on our students.

For this reason, they both support Campaign NOLS:

Endowing Our Core Values to insure a strong future

for NOLS.

NOLS offered a great experience [on my course

in 1966], and it offers a great experience noWhisnant said, If my contribution can help

school to continue to fulfill its mission, it is mo

well spent.

Williams agrees. For her, the education

NOLS offers to a wide range of students across

globe is crucial.

The school has a ripple effect as stude

embody the NOLS values in a variety of fields. T

core strength of NOLS is critical to this educatio

Williams added, Campaign NOLS is an investm

in scholarships for the future, and is thus

investment in future leaders.