Our Donors & Their Gifts
Richard H. Pershan '51, '56 LL.B.
“For me, college and law school at Yale in the late 1940s and early 50s was a great experience - intellectually, socially, and athletically. Yale opened my eyes to wonderful opportunities and gave me a boost toward the world in which I now live.”
Upon graduation from Yale College, Dick spent two years in the Air Force, then returned to New Haven to attend Yale Law School. He recalls his legal education with admiration and affection. “My fondest memories of law school are the sharp dialogues between our teachers and ourselves, especially Professors Kessler, Shulman and James.”
Dick continues, “When I was updating my estate plan to include gifts for Yale College and the Law School, I had a choice to make: provide for Yale in my will, or leave Yale a portion of my Individual Retirement Account. I chose to name Yale as a beneficiary of my IRA. By doing so, and by leaving other assets to pass under my will to my family, I will actually save taxes and am able to leave more for my wife and children. I give the same advice to my clients in comparable circumstances.”
Dick and his wife, Kathy, have four children and seven grandchildren. Three of the children, Richard, Jr.,’79,’87 J.D., Pamela Pershan Hochman ’86, and Julia Bennett Pershan ’92, followed their father to Yale. Dick’s eldest daughter, Lee, is also a lawyer.
Dick affirms, “My Yale experience was positive and fabulous. The faculty and fellow students were among the brightest and most challenging people I have ever met. Yale showed the way to a keener and better life.”