Continuing the Family Tradition: Leaving a Legacy to UA

As a math major at The University of Alabama in the 1950s, Alice Jackson was used to going against the grain—she was often the only woman taking the challenging courses.

“It was a different world then,” she said, recognizing her love of math and her desire to travel—something that took her across the world on several occasions—were uncommon for women to pursue at the time.

After graduation, Alice embarked on a three-month tour of Europe then visited The University of Alabama’s placement office to inquire about jobs. She was connected to AT&T’s Atlanta office, where she launched a career that spanned decades, sent her across the country, and allowed her to work for several prominent technology companies.

When Alice’s brother, John B. Deramus Jr., passed away in 2015, she turned her attention to her share of some family property located in Alabama. Her brother, also a UA alumnus, had taken his share and donated it to the University through a gift in his estate plan.

Seeing an opportunity to make a sound financial decision, Alice used her property to create a gift that pays—also known as a charitable gift annuity (CGA).

“I thought it was best for me and a win-win for everybody,” she said. “The University would get the property, and I would get an income from it.” The University of Alabama is deeply grateful to Alice for her foresight and for continuing her family’s tradition of giving back.

Explore Your Giving Options

To establish a gift that pays or discuss other ways to support UA in the future, contact W. Vance Bristow at 205-348-4770 or vance.bristow@ua.edu.