A Legacy of Giving: Dr. John and Joan Ipson

From bee keeping to beef keeping, Dr. Jack Ipson realized at a young age that he wanted to spend his life working with animals. Growing up on a small acreage on the outskirts of Denver, Jack had the opportunity to do just that by partaking in many 4-H projects. So, when it came time to go to college, the goal was not a difficult one. Jack was off with the hope of gaining entrance into veterinary medicine at Colorado State University! It was there he met his wife Joan, originally from Salt Lake City, who was majoring in the clothing and textiles program. Jack says Joan's incredible knack for sewing came in quite handy during the years of raising their six children.

After graduating in 1957, Jack was offered a position in the state of Iowa. The position led him down a career path in the pharmaceutical industry doing field work and disease research, and then onto management.

After 30 years of working in industry, Dr. Ipson felt it was time to get back to more direct veterinary responsibilities. After an arduous year of updating his education through an intensive post graduate residency program sponsored by the Animal Medical Center in New York City, Jack and Joan decided to return home to Colorado. Settling down in Highlands Ranch, Colo. they opened and operated a successful small animal clinic for 15 years. Jack also flew his plane for many Angel Flights, a non-profit charity that provides air transportation for those with medical needs in distant hospitals.

The Ipsons have always had the highest regard for Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital and decided upon retiring to give back to the institution that had given so much to them. They chose a Charitable Remainder Trust for their giving option because it allows them to use their assets to help expand education, while at the same time provides tax incentives, and a source of income. The Ipsons say their Charitable Remainder Trust gives them the financial and philanthropic security they were looking for because it fulfills their investment needs and provides a benefit to the University.