BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University and five other Southeast Texas organizations will be benefitted by a new trust established in memory of Allison Nathan Getz.
Beaumont City Councilman Mike Getz announced the $1 million gift in honor of his late wife, Allison Nathan Getz, during a Wednesday afternoon news conference at Lamar University.
“Allison is so deserving to have this type of honor," he said.
The "Getz’s Family Unitrust Agreement to Honor the Legacy of Allison Nathan Getz" is meant to provide longtime philanthropic support in memory of Allison Nathan Getz, according to a news release.
"Well it's a trust instrument that you can fund and leave to charitable organizations when the donor passes away. So over the donor's life, in this case being me, you want the trust to appreciate in value," said Mike Getz.
In addition to Lamar, the $1 million charitable remainder unitrust, also known as a "CRUT" will support the Beaumont Children's Museum, the Garth House, the Southeast Texas Tennis Association, the Symphony of Southeast Texas and Temple Emanuel.
"These six seem to be the ones that meant the most to her. I'm thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to do this," said Mike Getz.
"You just felt the love when you were with Allison. She was on our Board of Directors. We do the forensic interviews for law enforcement and or child protective services so it will benefit the children," said Garth House Executive Director Marion Tanner.
$50,000 of the trust must to be distributed every year before Mike Getz passes. Lamar University is getting the first piece.
In addition to the trust, Mike Getz also announced the "Allison and Michael Getz Scholarship for the Fine Arts" which is a $15,000 scholarship endowment for undergraduate and graduate students at Lamar majoring in fine arts.
"That will go to students in the fine arts. That's endowed so the interest will support students for their tuition and other expenses," said Lamar University Associate Vice President for University Advancement Jeffrey Spoeri.
“This generous commitment will ensure that Allison and Mike’s legacy endures permanently at Lamar University, where they have been important members of the Cardinal community for so many years,” Spoeri said according to the news release. “We are deeply honored that Mike has included Lamar University among the causes and institutions that he has chosen to support through this charitable trust.”
Allison was a longtime supporter of Lamar a patron of the arts. She made her first donation to the school in 1994 and since then has benefitted the Lamar University College of Fine Arts and Communication and the athletics department.
She served on the Friends of the Arts Board and one of the highlights of her life was chairing the 2013 Le Grand Bal fundraiser at Lamar according to Mike Getz.
Allison is the former Jefferson County tax assessor-collector. She died at 63 in October 2023 after a battle with cancer. Mike Getz is a Beaumont City Council member and an attorney.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.