L. D. (Neicy) Wells
Donor Recognition
Funding Her Passion
For Neicy, it’s always been “Franklin First.” Neicy was delighted to find a way to continue supporting the college long after she’s gone. A planned gift through her estate will endow a lectureship at Franklin College.
“Endowing a lectureship can seem like a daunting task. I was surprised how easy it was to accomplish. You don’t have to have millions to make an impact, just a concerted desire to leave a legacy.” – Neicy Wells
Development officers at UGA showed Neicy how designating the University of Georgia Foundation as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy allows her to make a larger gift than she ever dreamed possible. The ability to direct the funds toward a cause she was passionate about sold Neicy on the idea.
“I am proud to support something so meaningful to me. I’m on a mission to share that UGA has a place for everyone! Donors should just be thoughtful about where they want to make an impact, then work with UGA’s development officers to make it happen. It’s AMAZING what can be accomplished.”
– Neicy Wells
When Neicy Wells’ grandmother encouraged her to go to college and insisted she apply to the University of Georgia because “it was the best,” she had no idea the legacy of greatness she was setting into motion.
Neicy (AB ’96) began making her presence felt on campus with her first work-study job in the Office of Minority Services (the precursor to what is now Multicultural Services and Programs and the Office of Institutional Diversity) during its initial year of existence. She was involved in the Student Union, eventually becoming president of the Committee for Black Cultural Programs (CBCP). She was also active in the Zeta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
After earning her degree in English from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Neicy maintained her connection to UGA by serving on the Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter and becoming an inaugural member of the UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council and a charter member of the 1961 Club. Today, she is the development chair on the Franklin College Board of Advisors and a member of UGA’s Board of Visitors. She is still honoring her lifetime commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and also actively engaged with UGA’S Zeta Psi Chapter, where she helped lead an unprecedentedly successful campaign during the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration that resulted in the creation of two scholarships for UGA students that will last into perpetuity on campus.
“To know that my life mattered, my love for UGA mattered, and my impact will resonate for years to come, touching the lives of generations of students . . . It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
– Neicy Wells
Neicy’s commitment inspired her son, Devon Thomas, to create a planned gift benefiting UGA, too.
“I’ve always loved UGA. I was born a Bulldog, and there is nothing like the feeling of being part of the UGA community. Working with my mom, under the guidance of UGA development officers, to negotiate her insurance policy made me want to follow her example. I am proud to contribute to something bigger than myself.” – Devon Thomas
A sense of pride fills Neicy, knowing that this family legacy of giving began with a nudge from her grandmother who held a dream in her heart that her granddaughter would be the first in the family to get a college education.
Are you invested in what you’re passionate about? Discover how to amplify the impact of your giving through a planned gift. It starts when you contact the UGA Office of Gift and Estate Planning at ugalegacy@uga.edu. Visit plannedgiving.uga.edu to learn more.
