Dr. Clark and his wife, Carol
"ATSU-KCOM gave me the opportunity and the education to become a physician and live my dream of practicing medicine, which I have enjoyed my entire life," says Garry A. Clark, DO, '68. The osteopathic profession has been a central part of Dr. Clark's life for more than 50 years. Now in his early 80s, Dr. Clark continues to practice medicine and serve others using the skills and knowledge he developed at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).
Dr. Clark's path toward achieving his dream began while working as a research technician in the Department of Radiology and Oncology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His interest in the osteopathic profession piqued after speaking with ATSU-KCOM alumnus Thomas Knowlton, DO, '43, who encouraged Dr. Clark to apply to ATSU-KCOM. Upon arriving in Kirksville, Dr. Clark describes finding a small college in a friendly and helpful community.
Like countless others, Dr. Clark quickly learned this unassuming veneer disguised a powerful and transformational experience. It is an impact often referred to by fellow alumni as the "Kirksville experience." ATSU-KCOM earned Dr. Clark's deepest gratitude for his great education, which provided him a lifestyle he is able to share with others. It is a sense of appreciation that led Dr. Clark to provide significant charitable support to his alma mater through planned giving.
We all know the adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." In this case, however, Dr. Clark discovered that by funding a charitable gift annuity (CGA) at ATSU, he could increase his annual income through fixed, partially tax-free payments for the remainder of his life and support the school he loves with the CGA's remainder.
"I want ATSU-KCOM to continue to be the leader in the osteopathic profession," says Dr. Clark. "That requires ATSU-KCOM to have the resources to invest in new and ever-changing technology. This, of course, requires money. Some of that money can come from a charitable gift annuity."
Dr. Clark encourages all ATSU alumni and friends to consider a CGA as part of their estate and retirement planning. "It is a win-win situation—a win for ATSU and a win for you," Dr. Clark explains.
"P.S. It will make you feel great!"