Give and receive: Alumnus’ gift generates retirement income by supporting UC Davis

After practicing pulmonary and critical care medicine for 40 years and serving as a clinical care professor of medicine at UCSF and doctor at Sequoia Hospital, Dr. Bernhard (Bernie) Votteri ’61 settled into a relaxing retirement on the San Francisco Peninsula with his wife, Linda. Although their careers may have slowed down, Bernie and Linda actively stay connected with UC Davis as members of the Shields Society and charitable gift annuity (CGA) donors.

“The charitable gift annuity is a win-win,” Bernie said. “Our scholarship gift will assist students with their educational training and lessen their financial burden, while also providing us a stable income source.”

Charitable gift annuities provide donors with a fixed income stream for life in exchange for a substantial gift.

“Our goal is to have at least 10 percent of our portfolio in annuities, because it allows us to safeguard our money when looking at the volatility and instability of the stock market,” Bernie said.

The Votteris have established a number of CGAs over the years because each subsequent gift annuity has a higher payout rate, which is dependent on the donor’s age at the time of gift – older donors earn higher rates. CGAs can also qualify for a variety of tax benefits, including a federal income tax charitable deduction when itemized.

According to Linda, UC Davis has given back to them in numerous ways, including inviting them to events, allowing them to engage and learn more about the university. The couple enjoys staying connected to campus.

“I’m proud to see how Davis has developed and strengthened over the years,” Bernie said.

A long-standing relationship

Bernie’s history with UC Davis began with his father, who was an engineer in the food processing industry working with university staff. In the 1950s, these experts developed a thicker-skinned tomato that could withstand the pressure from the mechanical tomato harvester without being crushed.

“I felt well prepared for college after drafting engineering proposals with my father and developing critical thinking skills in high school,” Bernie said.

When it came time to enroll in college, Bernie ended up at UC Davis by chance. He planned on attending UC Berkeley, but while touring UC Davis, he was impressed by the engaging faculty and he felt the faculty continued to show a high level of interest during his time as a student.

“UC Davis afforded me the opportunity to explore, to grow and to express myself,” Bernie said. “I felt empowered at Davis, and I really appreciated the small class sizes.”  

Linda also benefited from small classes at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing in London, where she focused on nursing and public health. They each wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. They pursued healthcare and Bernie became a clinical faculty member at UCSF after graduating from the medical school.  

The couple often entertained medical students and residents at their home because they said they appreciated getting to know them on a more personal level. Bernie said UC Davis deserves the credit for his accomplishments, because it provided him with good training and role models.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the exposure of new ideas, faculty and education at UC Davis,” Bernie said. “I consider our charitable gift annuities as payback to the university for the unparalleled educational opportunity afforded to me by UC Davis.”

Make a gift that gives back

Like the Votteris, you, too, can make a difference at UC Davis with a gift that pays you income. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at (530) 754-2286 or plannedgiving@ucdavis.edu to learn more.