Richard McKim “Kim” Preston '69, '76L served on his 50th reunion committee and celebrated with his undergraduate classmates in spring 2019. Together they made W&L history by contributing the largest reunion class gift to date.
Preston used the IRA charitable distribution to make an impactful, tax-free gift to the Class of 1969 50th reunion class projects, the undergraduate Annual Fund, and the Law Annual Fund, all of which counted in the final class total. "When you get to be my age, if you have retirement savings, you are required to take out a yearly minimum withdrawal that is subject to personal income taxation. It is very easy to roll this into a charitable contribution on which you do not have to pay tax," Preston said. "It is a very attractive way to support the institution you love."
“I have always thought the atmosphere on campus, the honor system, and everything the university teaches represents all that is the best of what our country should stand for and promote,” Preston shared. “Helping such an institution continue is certainly a worthy subject for giving.”
Preston, who was once upon a time Law Dean Roy Steinheimer's "wild card" during the admissions process, is a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He was the founder of their construction practice group and now focuses on international infrastructure litigation and arbitration. He and his wife, Lori, frequently travel abroad for Preston’s work.