8/13/2019 Friends Spring 2013
1/5
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
8/13/2019 Friends Spring 2013
2/5
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected]
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
3/5
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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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.
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