With the help of the planned giving department at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Warren directed his legacy gifts to two endowed funds supporting UNL’s Actuarial Science Program. One is a scholarship named for Bob Larson, the first director of the program and a mentor to Warren. The other supports the program chair, a position Warren formerly held, in memory of David Hayes. David was a student whom Warren describes as one of his best and who died shortly before his 40th birthday. David’s parents established the endowed fund in his honor.

“I enjoyed and really appreciated my time at Nebraska,” Warren said. “I especially cherish that part of my actuarial career.”

Warren made the gift from a life insurance policy that his mother purchased for him when he was 17 years old as well as from an IRA account. He said he believes it’s important to share, no matter how much we are able to give.

“These [gifts] are substantive, but not really millions of dollars,” he said. “However much you can give matters. Life is a series of relationships, family, friends, people you work with and experiences that touch you and the connections you make. I think most people can identify relationships and experiences that importantly impacted their lives, and for which they have much gratitude. That gratitude can lead to their good causes to support with a legacy gift.”

Warren sums up the philosophy simply: “Pay it forward. Our lives have been enriched. We can help enrich the lives of others, now and after we are gone.”