<< Return to Foundation Focus Page Creating A Legacy - "Giving Back" with a Trust Fund Dr. William Schroeder Jr. Dr William Schroeder Jr. (Bill to his friends) is many things -In addition to being a generous philanthropist for decades, he is a scientist with a Ph.D. in organic Chemistry - an academician, researcher and student mentor in the Chemistry Department at Grand Valley State University - an environmentalist with a passion and concern for the future of Muskegon Lake, Lake Michigan and our global environment - a successful business entrepreneur including founder and co-owner of Trace Analytical Laboratories in Muskegon. In spite of a busy family and professional life, Bill has always found time to be an active member on many environmental committees including serving as the founder and first Chairperson of the Environmental Committee of the Foundation. Bill also served as a Trustee of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for nine years. He has experienced first hand the work of the Community Foundation and knows how it touches the lives of so many of us who call the Muskegon region "home". According to Foundation President Chris McGuigan, "there are so many levels and ways that Bill's work has benefited this community, and we live in a better place for what he has done. On top of that, he is a warm and caring person who makes each of us bigger as a result of having spent time with him. He is a true friend and we are grateful for his influence on our lives". With the assistance of George W. Johnson of the law firm of Parmenter O'Toole, Bill recently amended his estate plan to assure that his life's work and devotion to the Muskegon community are sustained after he is gone. Partnering with the Community Foundation, Bill combined the power of a Charitable Remainder Trust and a Charitable Lead Trust to create a very unique and effective personal estate plan. The combined use of these estate planning tools will support his family needs as well as the issues and projects he is most passionate about. Bill's estate plan assures his legacy as a community philanthropist and will leave an everlasting imprint on Muskegon. << Return to Foundation Focus Page