The Megyeris Say Thank You to GW Law

Les and Kathy Megyeri together have five degrees from The George Washington University. After they survived a shocking automobile accident, they decided to focus on their estate plans; and it was natural for them to consider making a planned gift to their alma mater. The Megyeris have committed to two bequests: one to complete the endowment requirements to establish the Nash-Cibinic Professorship and the other to establish the Megyeri Chair in Government Procurement Law.

Nash & Cibinic Professor of Government Contracts Law Professor Steven Schooner spoke with the Megyeris about their planned gift.

Schooner: First, on behalf of our students, our professors, and the Law School, let me say thank you! What compelled you to make these bequests to GW Law?

Megyeris: As we both approach 70 years of age, we especially appreciate the direction that GW Law is taking to establish itself as a nationally renowned and prominent law school. We want to remain part of the institution long after we pass away. Since we have no heirs, we have been planning for our old age with long-term health care insurance and a reservation at an assisted-living facility. GW Law becomes the beneficiary of our estate following our deaths. We believe our legacy to GW reflects our own unique circumstances and charitable objectives.

Schooner: What motivated you to designate your planned gifts to the Government Procurement Law Program?

Megyeris: Les’ first legal position resulted from a conversation with Government Contracts Professor John Cibinic, who took an enormous amount of pride in placing his students in law firms and government agencies city-wide.

Schooner: How did GW Law come to play such a large role in your lives?

Megyeris: Les, a refugee to this country following the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, sought financial aid from GW’s then Treasurer, Morris Hartfield, who helped make it financially possible for Les to attend GW as an undergraduate in economics.

Schooner: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Megyeris: We now have the peace of mind that should we, God forbid, not survive our next automobile accident or crash together in our airplane, our estate matters have been settled. The University will benefit from the fact that we met there and we were both able to make a comfortable life together from our GW educations. We have been truly blessed by the University and the Law School, and now it’s our turn to say “thank you” through our planned giving.

Schooner: Thank you for your tremendous, significant, and important support.

Please call or e-mail John Cole at 202-994-7860 or jcole@law.gwu.edu to learn how you can make a meaningful gift to GW Law without compromising your financial future.

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