Tom Rook Blends Lifetime and Legacy Gifts to Support North Park Students for Generations to Come
Thomas C. Rook’s career had two parts. After earning both his bachelor of business arts degree and an MBA, he worked in banking for 20 years—eventually serving as vice president of the First National Bank of Chicago. He later changed paths, received his master of divinity, and spent 20 years as an associate pastor at the Fourth Presbyterian Church.
While living in the North Park neighborhood, Tom began working on his estate plan with the Covenant Trust Company. They recommended NPU as a philanthropic opportunity, and Tom followed that advice based on his appreciation of our strong Christian identity. He has also created a scholarship fund to help students with additional financial needs attend NPU.
“I was inspired by the lifetime legacy I will be leaving for North Park students through my family scholarship, which will continue to support students in perpetuity,” he says.
Like his career, Tom’s gift also has two parts. He created the scholarship fund through two qualified charitable distributions from his IRA, and it will be further funded via a bequest in his living trust—which will also include the remainder of his IRA assets.
Tom encourages others to consider leaving a legacy of support for NPU’s future. “I am leaving a living legacy to continue supporting North Park students so that well-deserving students of all backgrounds can continue to gain a world-class education at an institution that holds a strong Christian identity and a mission to create a positive impact around the world.”
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