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Celebrating Life, Love and Legacy Through Planned Giving

Planned Giving

A wolf statue in Wolf Plaza

Jan 27, 2026

Giving for the Future

Susan Brooks, an NC State alumna and Caldwell Fellows donor, shares why she cares enough about the program to have pledged a planned estate gift to support it.
Fikret Isik (left) and Paula Barnes Cardinale stand in front of the NC State wall art in Talley Student Union.

Jan 26, 2026

$50K Endowment to Support ‘Workhorses of Academic Research’

NC State professor Fikret Isik and his partner, Paula Barnes Cardinale, have made a planned gift to support graduate students interested in production forestry and forest health. The couple’s gift will fund supplemental stipends, with priority given to North Carolina residents in the Cooperative Tree Improvement Program, of which Isik is a co-director.
From left: College of Engineering Dean Jim Pfaendtner, Paul Besser and former Chancellor Randy Woodson holding up the wolfie hand sign.

Jan 12, 2026

Generous Estate Gift From MSE Alum To Create Lasting Change in the Department

Paul Besser ’88 and his wife, Kathy, recently finalized a $2.5 million estate gift benefiting the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The gift will support student scholarships and establishes endowments for a professorship and for K-12 outreach.
Chancellor Randy Woodson, center, presents Kristin and Brian Holder with their Pullen Society membership certificate. Photos by Becky Kirkland.

May 1, 2025

Record Attendance for an Extraordinary Event

The 2025 Pullen Society induction was the group’s highest-attended ceremony to date, with 300 members of the Wolfpack coming together to welcome this year’s cohort of planned gift-makers.
The Memorial Belltower podcast logo.

Feb 25, 2025

Podcast: Clyde Sorenson – NC State Alumnus, Distinguished Professor and Donor

Clyde Sorenson, an NC State alumnus, distinguished professor and supporter, was recently named the university’s winner of the 2025 UNC Board of Governors Award for Teaching Excellence. Learn more about Sorenson and his impact on the Wolfpack in this archival episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast.
Four women in graduation gowns throwing their caps in front of Talley Student Union.

Oct 7, 2024

Day of Giving: One Day, Year-Round Impact

It’s been six months since NC State Day of Giving 2024. Learn more about how we came together for 24 hours to make a difference all year long.
The Memorial Belltower podcast logo.

Jun 17, 2024

Podcast: Clyde Sorenson – NC State Alumnus, Distinguished Professor and Donor

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Clyde Sorenson, an NC State alumnus, distinguished professor and donor, to discuss the impact of private support on his work and the university as a whole.
A group photo of many of the 2024 Pullen Society inductees, and Mr. and Ms. Wuf. Photo by Marc Hall.

May 13, 2024

Pullen Society Welcomes New Members at 2024 Induction Event

The annual ceremony, the 30th since NC State’s legacy society was created, took place in Reynolds Coliseum and included a surprise ending that left guests smiling.
The Wolf Plaza podcast logo.

Jan 23, 2024

Podcast: Planned Giving With Katherine Miller

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Katherine Miller, the executive director of NC State’s Office of Gift Planning, to discuss planned giving and its importance to the university’s ongoing success.
Anne Porter-Sasser and Neal Sasser

Jan 9, 2024

Celebrating Life, Love and Legacy Through Planned Giving

NC State made a powerful and lasting impact on Anne Porter-Sasser and Neal Sasser during their early years. Now, through several special estate gifts, this Wolfpack couple is planning to return the favor.