The Power of Legacy Giving

Jennifer Hazelton currently serves on the Scholarship Foundation’s Board of Directors. Born at an Air Force Base Hospital and growing up in a military family, Jennifer understands first-hand the challenges and joys our Marine Scholars face. Jennifer works as a consultant in finance and accounting, specializing in nonprofit work. In addition to her work with the Scholarship Foundation, she serves on boards of several literacy and education focused nonprofits, including Neuhaus Education Center, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and serves as the Treasurer and an Executive Committee member of the National Scholarship Provider’s Association.

How has military service been a part of your life story or your family’s journey?

While I don’t remember a lot of details about my father’s time in the military, there is no doubt that it has had an impact on my life.  My father, who passed away in 2020, never lost his punctuality, never had a hair out of place, never gave the task at hand any less than regimented focus. I inherited his mind and aptitude for finance, but not punctuality! The respect that my parents and family have for those that serve has always been a part of our lives. 

What values are most important to you, and how have they shaped your life?

Service to our country and to our community has always been a core value for my family.  My grandfather worked in publishing, so literacy, reading and education were also a central part of our lives.  Going to college and graduating in four years was expected and a given. It was expected that my brother and I would not squander our educations.  My mother did not serve in the military, but she has been an active volunteer my whole life. It was expected that I would give back to my community – with my time, talent, and/or treasure.  Whether through my work or volunteer service – education always seemed to be the focus.

When and how did you first hear about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation?

I met Jeanna Adams, MCSF’s current Chief Scholarship Officer, at the National Scholarship Providers Association conference in 2011 or 2012.  We chatted and compared notes, and then I reached out to her a few months later after watching NCIS one night when David McCallum (Ducky) mentioned MCSF.  We stayed in touch through NSPA and in 2019, Jeanna invited me to attend the Houston dinner as a guest of MCSF.  General John Kelly spoke at the dinner that year. I talked with several active and retired Marines who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It was an emotional night – and as they talked about their service and sacrifices, I thought “what the hell have I done?” and it felt like my answer was “nothing”, especially compared to them.  That was the first year I raised my paddle to give to MCSF. 

How has our work made a difference in your life, or the life of someone you know?

The opportunity to be engaged and get to know so many Marines has made the “supporting our troops” so much more real for me.  Meeting our scholars and their parents is so inspiring.  It lets me see the direct impact of my gifts of money and time.  There’s no bigger reward for me.

Why did you feel it was important to include the MCSF in your will and legacy?

We do not do enough for our service members, our veterans, and their families. The system is so big, it doesn’t feel like one person can change that.  But this is the way I can do my part. They served our country—it’s my time to serve them.  Donovan Campbell, a veteran Marine who spoke at the Houston dinner a few years ago, talked about saying “thank you for your service”. He let us know that we should continue to say that but also make sure our servicemembers know we are doing our part to continue to make this country one worth the sacrifices they made and continue to make. 

Would you recommend others get involved in supporting the MCSF through a legacy gift? If so, why?

I think so many people think that having a will or leaving a nonprofit a bequest is something only the very wealthy do.  But it’s not the dollar amount that is important.  You can specify $500 or 10% of the estate after your beneficiaries are taken care of.  Leaving that remainder amount allows the gift to grow over time.  You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave an estate gift.  And it’s just as important to let MCSF know you’ve included them in your estate plans. Connecting with the Scholarship Foundation ensures you can learn about the difference we are making now. This is the legacy you are leaving – making sure the children of our Marines have every opportunity this country and their fellow citizens can provide them.

Learn more about legacy giving to support the Scholarship Foundation.