The Parry and Margaret Sorensen Endowment in the Department of Communication was established to honor the life, legacy, and ongoing impact of Parry D. Sorensen, reporter and writer, university leader, beloved journalism professor, and passionate Utah Man. Created by students and the Sorensen family in 1997, this endowed fund provides opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and community members alike to learn from leading journalists through the annual Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture.
Parry D. Sorensen was born in Manti, Utah and attended the University of Utah, where he was editor of The Daily Utah Chronicle and a campus reporter for the Deseret News. He went on to a successful career in journalism, served as a special agent in the FBI, and became the first Director of University of Utah Relations in 1946. He was a prominent figure in the community and at the U, serving in the administrations of Presidents Olpin, Fletcher, Emery, and Gardner. He wrote for the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Examiner, the Los Angeles Times, the National Observer, Fortune, and People. He received an honorary doctor of humanities degree from the U in 1990 and was a favorite professor of journalism who influenced countless students before his retirement in 1992. Parry was at his computer writing a feature article right up until the day he died.
Margaret Christensen Sorensen was born in Logan and grew up in Provo where she received an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. Along with raising five children with Professor Sorensen, she was deeply involved at the U for more than 60 years, serving as president of the University of Utah Women’s Club. She was also a longtime member of the Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah.
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University of Utah Office of Advancement
P.O. Box 58006
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In the memo line of your check, specify the program or fund you wish to support, such as “Department of Philosophy” or “Whisner / Appleby Scholarship Endowment in Philosophy.” This detail helps our gift processors accurately allocate your donation, streamlining their efforts to make an impact. Additionally, if you have any special instructions or preferences regarding the use of your gift, consider including those in a separate note or cover letter.
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A Donor-Advised Fund offers the opportunity to create an easy-to-establish, low cost, flexible vehicle for charitable giving as an alternative to direct giving or to creating a private foundation. This is accomplished by first establishing a DAF with an irrevocable donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program. The donor then recommends the allocation of the donated assets to a qualified public charity (such as the University of Utah).
For more information about Donor-Advised Funds, please contact the Gift Processing Team:
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With matching gifts, you may sometimes double or even triple your gift. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees.
Please note that some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.
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With matching gifts, you may sometimes double or even triple your gift. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Type the name of your company below to see if it has a matching gift program.
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Gifts of securities, including closely held stock and mutual funds, may be donated to the university directly from your brokerage account to the University of Utah’s account, or by transferring stock power to the university.
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Cryptocurrency
The University of Utah is unable to accept cryptocurrency at this time. If you are interested in making a gift using cryptocurrency, you may consider working with a Donor-Advised Fund. A Donor-Advised Fund may accept gifts of cryptocurrency and in turn allow donors to recommend the allocation of donated assets to the qualified public charity (such as the University of Utah).
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Legacy Giving
Making a legacy gift is a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for the University of Utah and its mission while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate-planning, and philanthropic goals.
With smart planning, you may actually increase the size of your estate and/or reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Just as important, you will know that you have made a meaningful contribution to the University of Utah.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with various gift options by exploring Types of Legacy Gifts and Assets to Give. Then compare gift options and/or calculate how these gifts could work for you. And of course, please contact us here for assistance or to discuss your personal situation and objectives.
Donor-Advised Fund
A Donor-Advised Fund offers the opportunity to create an easy-to-establish, low cost, flexible vehicle for charitable giving as an alternative to direct giving or to creating a private foundation. This is accomplished by first establishing a DAF with an irrevocable donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program. The donor then recommends the allocation of the donated assets to a qualified public charity (such as the University of Utah).
For more information about Donor-Advised Funds, please contact the Gift Processing Team:
801-581-3720
Toll-Free: 800-716-0377
Email
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8 am–5 pm MST/MDT
To recommend a gift from a Fidelity Charitable or Schwab Charitable Donor-Advised Fund, click the button below.
Securities
Gifts of securities, including closely held stock and mutual funds, may be donated to the university directly from your brokerage account to the University of Utah’s account, or by transferring stock power to the university.
For more information about donating securities, please contact the Gift Processing Team:
801-581-3720
Toll-Free: 800-716-0377
Email
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8 am–5 pm MST/MDT
Payroll Deduction
University of Utah staff and faculty can give to University programs through payroll deduction. Payroll deductions may be set up or modified online any time of day.
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In Honor of a Loved One
Honor a friend or loved one by making a contribution in their honor. Honorees or their families will be notified of your donation to their favorite U program.
For more information about making a contribution in honor of a loved one, please contact the Gift Processing Team:
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Corporate & Foundation Giving
The University of Utah Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations plays a major role in supporting the institution’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Working closely with the various campus areas, we help initiate and cultivate relationships between the University and private organizations to support U programs.
Legacy Giving
Making a legacy gift is a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for the University of Utah and its mission while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate-planning, and philanthropic goals.
With smart planning, you may actually increase the size of your estate and/or reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Just as important, you will know that you have made a meaningful contribution to the University of Utah.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with various gift options by exploring Types of Legacy Gifts and Assets to Give. Then compare gift options and/or calculate how these gifts could work for you. And of course, please contact us for assistance or to discuss your personal situation and objectives.