Kathryne Lyons, P’24 and Jonathan Teplitz, P’24

For years, Charlotte Teplitz ’24 had a secret. Something she couldn’t tell anyone until May 2024.

Charlotte was Baldwin.

According to her parents, Kathryne Lyons, P’24 and Jonathan Teplitz, P’24, the role was meant to be. When Charlotte was deciding among various college offers, she knew exactly what she wanted: a school with a great theater program, strong academics, big school spirit, football games, and tailgating. Boston College checked all the boxes—plus the opportunity to try out to portray Baldwin at games and events. Charlotte’s special talents and experience on the stage and as an ice hockey goalie helped her land the coveted role.

Charlotte Teplitz ’24

At BC, Charlotte’s journey not only fulfilled her desire for a vibrant college experience, but also ignited a deeper passion within her. Reflecting on their daughter’s undergraduate years, Kathryne and Jonathan are proud of her growth. “Kathryne and I always taught our kids to find their passion, work toward it, and never give up on it if you don’t have to,” Jonathan says. At BC, Charlotte was able to fuel her passion for the dramatic arts through stage management, honing new skills through coursework and as treasurer of the Dramatics Society—ultimately shaping her career trajectory beyond graduation.

Earlier this year, Kathryne and Jonathan established a deferred charitable gift annuity (CGA) with BC. A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between a donor and the University. In exchange for cash or securities, the donor and/or their named beneficiaries receive fixed payments for life. At the passing of your named beneficiaries, BC receives the remainder of the gift.

“When you get an opportunity to have something that is a good piece of your investment portfolio and gives back to the institution that you care about, it’s a win-win,” says Kathryne , admitting they knew little about CGAs until BC’s Office of Gift Planning presented it as an option. “We were pleasantly surprised by it,” she continues. “It’s not just writing a check; it is a donation and an investment in BC’s future.” 

With Charlotte’s spring graduation still fresh in their minds, Kathryne and Jonathan have also been reminiscing about their four-year journey as BC parents and as members of Parent Partners and the Parents Leadership Council (PLC)—two groups that their CGA qualified them to join. They deeply valued having an expansive network of BC parents through the highs and lows. “The opportunity to connect with fellow parents, whether through tailgating on campus or virtual gatherings, has been invaluable,” Jonathan reflects. “Especially during the tumultuous year of 2020, when lockdowns kept us physically distant from campus, these connections became lifelines.” One of their favorite online gatherings was a molten chocolate cake cooking demonstration organized for PLC members.

“It was a fun and creative way to create community at a challenging time for everyone,” says Kathryne. 

“For us,” Jonathan says, “having a robust network—whether as a student, parent, or professional—is paramount. Knowing there’s always someone just a phone call away, ready to offer support or solutions, can be incredibly reassuring.”

Although Charlotte/Baldwin has graduated, Kathryne and Jonathan view their connection with the Heights as enduring. They intend to continue to catch a football game or two and, of course, stay connected thanks to the deferred CGA. 

“Education is a fundamental value we uphold and support,” says Kathryne. “Our commitment to the University isn’t based on what it has done for us. It’s about the transformational impact it has had for our child.”

Establishing a charitable gift annuity is easy! BC’s gift planning team can help guide you. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 877-304-SHAW or at giftplanning@bc.edu to start the process, ask questions, and get personal support.