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"People Are Called to Be Here"

Karin Popkin with her grandchildren

Karin celebrates her birthday with several of her grandchildren: Travis, Hanni, Hatcher, Camden and Izzie Popkin.

Karin Popkin, former Jesuit High School faculty member and Fr. William Hayes, S.J. Legacy Club member, believes that fate brought her to Jesuit not once but twice during her career. Karin first arrived at Jesuit in 1990 as a substitute French teacher. Classes were small, with five or six young men, and there was not much opportunity for the students to have speaking partners and to learn the language from one another.

The following year, she became a full-time French teacher. Karin states, "Once young women came to campus in the fall of 1993, the number of students in French classes tripled and the curriculum expanded. Going coed was a positive change for the teachers and students."

Karin took time off from Jesuit to teach French overseas in Ecuador and Thailand from 2000 to 2003. Her experience living abroad opened up her worldview, and her teaching focus changed. "I realized during those four years that, as a teacher, I am not only exposing my students to a new language, but I am supporting young people to be compassionate bilingual leaders for the 21st century," Karin says.

When Karin moved back to Oregon in 2005, a position was open at Jesuit and she eagerly accepted. "I believe people are called to be here; this is my place and the students are my people." Karin returned to campus with a new passion for social justice issues and a global perspective. During her tenure, she started the Global Perspectives Club, took students abroad to study in France and helped with Setons, Campus Ministry, Brown Bags and more. In addition, she and current JHS French teacher Emily Schmidt created the AP French program.

Karin Popkin with her ESL students

Karin taught ESL with the Beaverton Literacy Council for several years. She is pictured here with students from the level 5 class. Members are from Mexico, Taiwan, China, Italy, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Hong Kong and Brazil.

"It was my privilege to teach with Karin; I learned so much from her. Her positivity, generosity, enthusiasm and deep care for students were inspiring!" Mme. Emily Schmidt

When Karin retired in 2011, she knew she wanted to give back to Jesuit because her experience was so impactful and moving. "I knew a Jesuit education changed lives," Karin says. "To me, Jesuit is not just about outstanding academics, athletics, drama or the French program. It is about the formation of young people of compassion, conscience and competence."

When planning for the future, Karin decided to include Jesuit in her estate plan. "I am and will always be committed to the Jesuit mission," Karin says." "I trust my Legacy Club gift will be used to help deserving students come to Jesuit, and it will make a big impact on their future."

Learn more about the Fr. William Hayes S.J. Legacy Club here or by contacting Diane Salzman, Vice President for Development, at 503-291-5497 or development@jesuitportland.org.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Jesuit High School Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Jesuit High School Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 9000 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Jesuit or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate, or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Jesuit as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Jesuit as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Jesuit where you agree to make a gift to Jesuit and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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