Martins' Beneficiary-Designation Gift Will Support the Future of UA

Carol and Ben Martin

Ben Martin (Class of '85) grew up in Mobile and chose The University of Alabama because it offered a degree in petroleum engineering. "It was an in-state school offering a low tuition and opportunity for scholarships," says Ben, who started working for Mobil Oil immediately after graduation. "The degree I received opened the door for me to have an awesome career in an industry that raised the standard of living for everyone in the world."

To continue their support of UA after their lifetimes, he and his wife of 40 years, Carol, have included the University in their estate plan by naming the University as a beneficiary of Ben's 401(k). "We want to provide assets to UA to continue to improve as a teaching and research university so they can continue to make a positive impact on their students and the world."

As a student, Ben was active in the engineering honor society Tau Beta Phi and was secretary-treasurer of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, an Earth science honor society. "The mineral engineering department was very small, so I had the opportunity to get to know my instructors well," he says. "They cared about our success, and they gave us a great base on which to build a career."

Ben says the most tangible thing he gained from UA was a marketable degree. "When people ask me where I went to school, I can proudly say The University of Alabama," he says. "And no matter where I am in the world, they know and respect that name."

The Martins encourage others to consider the legacies they could leave to support the University's future. "Take time to develop a plan for giving," Ben concludes. "Don't worry if the amount you have seems insignificant - whatever you can do will be put to good use and will be appreciated."