Siffermanns Leave Their Legacy with Bequest to Support Bradley’s Future

Bob and Carolyn (Jirka) Siffermann grew up in the Chicago suburbs of Des Plaines and Downers Grove, respectively, and met while students at Bradley. Bob says the most important thing he gained from his time there was meeting Carolyn. “After that, gaining a broad understanding of business concepts, enjoying the diversity of campus, and getting to know the world.”

Their Bradley educations led to long and fulfilling careers—Bob spent 44 years in sales and marketing technology, and Carolyn enjoyed a more than 40-year teaching career—which is why they are giving back to their alma mater with a bequest.

“Now is a stage in my life to give back to organizations that helped to form me and had an impact on my life,” Bob says. The couple has left their gift unrestricted “to make a lasting impact at Bradley in a way they can best use the funds.” Some key reasons they chose a bequest include being able to make a larger gift than possible during their lifetimes, receiving tax benefits, and creating a long-term commitment to the university.

Carolyn remains involved with the university by serving on the Liberal Arts College Advisory Board, and over the last six years Bob has been a member of the Alumni Board. He has also returned to guest teach in some business classes.

Now retired and living in Southlake, Texas, the Siffermanns will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this December. They hope others will join them in making planned gifts to support future Bradley students. “We encourage our classmates to consider making similar gifts to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities we do,” they conclude, “and to pay it forward.”