Investing in Mercy Education

David Byrnes still enjoys visiting the Mount Mercy campus and attending alumni events. His gifts will make a lasting impact on future MMU students.

David Byrnes has a long history with Mount Mercy University (MMU) and he plans to keep that connection going.

His involvement with MMU began as a child. Sister Mary Geraldine Pavek RSM '63 was his aunt so he visited the hilltop campus often. "Most of the Sisters knew me before they ever taught me," he says.

"Sister Eleanor worked with me to get my credits transferred. The Sisters of Mercy were always so helpful," he recalls. David graduated with a double major in business and sociology in 1973 and had the distinction of being one of the first to earn a degree in sociology at MMU. He went on to earn degrees in computer operations and programming which launched his 27-year career with Iowa Electric Light and Power.

Forty-five years after his graduation, the life-long resident of Cedar Rapids is still drawn to visit the Mount Mercy campus. As an avid photographer, David finds the picturesque campus ideal for capturing iconic photos. He attends alumni events and faithfully supports campus projects, his favorites being scholarships and library acquisitions.

Education was very important to David's family. His father always encouraged David and his brother to get a college education. David inherited that resolve.

"I consider education to be very valuable. If a student dreams of a college education, I want the college to have the finances available to help them accomplish that. I like the idea of being able to help somebody," David explains.

In that spirit, David established the David J. Byrnes Endowed Scholarship for students majoring in business or social work. He plans to grow the scholarship by taking advantage of the IRA charitable rollover. This gift option allows supporters age 70½ and older to contribute up to $100,000 per year from an IRA directly to a qualified charity without having to pay income taxes on those funds. Planning for the future, David has also designated the University as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy with the proceeds allocated to boost his endowed scholarship upon his death.

David leads a simple life accentuated by a servant's heart. In his retirement, he enjoys volunteering at St. Patrick's parish where the Byrnes family has attended for more than 100 years. He is pleased to be utilizing multiple giving vehicles that match his goals and life style. Having this plan in place gives David peace of mind and the satisfaction of honoring his family by investing in Mercy education for current and future generations of students.

Support What Is Important to You

If you have interest in impacting others through education, contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu to explore how you can maximize your charitable giving through Mount Mercy University. Build your legacy and support what matters most to you and your family.