Allen Millen

Changing Lives by: establishing the Allen D. Millen Elite Agriculture Scholarship at K-State using an IRA charitable rollover benefiting the College of Agriculture.

Why he gave: “I always wanted to do something for K-State and figured this was the perfect opportunity,” Allen said. “K-State prepared me for many job opportunities by developing those skills necessary in accomplishing various assignments related to my career. I believe that education provides the greatest value one can give by investing in young people.”

Why it matters: After the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was enacted, an individual who is at least 70½ may make gifts directly from an IRA to the Kansas State University Foundation, without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. Previously all distributions from IRAs were taxable as ordinary income, but now are excludable from gross income, eliminating the income tax liability for a charitable gift. The act ended Dec. 31, 2007.

K-State connection: Five years ago, Allen found his college sweetheart, Judy Mai, in the K-State Alumni Association directory. Both Allen and Judy were widowed, so Allen decided to contact her again.

“I e-mailed Judy with a little note of re-introduction — some 40 years later — set up a lunch date, and we picked up where we left off,” Allen said. “We were married in September 2002, and are very happy. This would not have been possible but for the K-State connection.”