Making a Lasting Impression
How do you want to be remembered? It can be a challenging question, and a difficult one to answer. For Denise ’82 (Joaquim) and Steven ’82, ’83 Van Tassell, that question led them to make a bequest that will endow a scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Science. The interest from their gift will support one or two students annually who show the potential and the desire to earn their URI degree.
“A few years ago, we got serious about estate planning,” said Steven. “My brother had died suddenly, and it really got us thinking. We don’t have children and we wanted to do something that would extend far beyond our lifetimes. We decided to support URI and have a lasting impact on students.”
Steven and Denise met at URI in their first semester during their English 110 class. They spent time together in the library, hanging out on campus, and “almost dated,” but it never worked out. He was a New Jersey guy who lived on campus (without a car), and she was a commuter from Cranston who was borrowing the family car to get to classes.
Different classes in their second semester led them in different directions. He majored in resource development and chemistry, and she studied Spanish and English.
Steven began working in the Ram’s Den in his junior year. When Denise came in to eat, they recognized each other, started a conversation, and before long were dating. Married in 1988, their lives and careers have carried them from Rhode Island to California. They returned to Rhode Island over the years to visit with her family and check back in on URI.
“Steven and I recognize that learning is life-changing, and we want to remove obstacles for students who might not have the opportunity to attend URI unless they receive this scholarship,” said Denise, who has worked in a variety of learning, training, and development roles.
“The team at URI made it so easy for us to make arrangements for our gift,” said Steven. “They helped us understand the options, and the staff has been so informative and welcoming.
We have been so impressed with the direction the University is going. When we hear from the president and the deans, we want to be part of their vision for URI.”
The Van Tassell’s gift creates a legacy designed to support and inspire future generations of URI students.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.