Unleashing the Power of Your Will 

Growing up in the Bronx, Arlene Erbacher ’73 always regretted not being able to have a dog. Since she has become able to, they have been an integral part of her life. Another long-term goal was leaving a legacy at her SUNY Oneonta alma mater through the College at Oneonta Foundation. She was inspired by her time on campus and hoped she would eventually be in a position to “pay it forward.” 

Arlene was educated as a teacher, taught for over a decade, and then enjoyed a 32-year career in banking. Throughout her career she gained an appreciation for how careful planning is necessary to pass things from one generation to the next and used this knowledge to leave her legacy at SUNY Oneonta with planned giving. Arlene became a member of the Netzer Planned Giving Society in 2014. She noticed with interest when the SUNY College at Oneonta Foundation announced a partnership with FreeWill, an online will-planning tool. She commented, “The announcement was a good reminder there is no better time to think about your future. As you do, reflect on what is important to you. I was glad to know that SUNY Oneonta now offers the opportunity to create or update your will or estate plan for free.” Arlene continued, “I knew that my important planning documents should be revisited periodically. The online site was easy to use, and I was able to increase my gift and direct it to the unrestricted endowment. I feel lucky to be able to leave a legacy to the college that helped shape me as a person.” 

Future gifts to the unrestricted endowment from Netzer Planned Giving Society members like Arlene allow our students and faculty to strengthen and enrich SUNY Oneonta’s culture of engaged learning, which changes lives on campus, in our community, and beyond. 

Get started on your plans today at FreeWill.com/SUNYOneonta. For more information about creating a legacy at SUNY Oneonta, please contact us.