Gillian McPhee Sets Up Revocable Living Trust in Her Will to Share Thayer’s World-Class Education with Future Students

Thayer Academy gave Gillian McPhee ’89 the skills to achieve academically and professionally, which is why she has included the Academy in her estate plan through a revocable living trust.

The opportunity to study Latin for four years in high school is what turned Gillian’s attention to Thayer. At the Academy, she discovered a broader love of languages and gained the education and determination that would lead her to a rewarding collegiate experience and a successful professional career.

After graduating magna cum laude from Yale University, McPhee earned her J.D. from the University of Texas Law School; she then launched a corporate law career in Washington, D.C., which spanned more than 20 years.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had a great career and a great life,” says McPhee, who recently retired from her full-time law practice and now lives with her husband, Gregory DiCostanzo, in scenic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. “One reason for making the gift to Thayer is that I feel strongly about paying back to future students some of the good fortune that we’ve had in our life.”

While at the Academy, McPhee participated in arts and music programs, including one summer program in France—all enriching experiences she would like to help future students enjoy.

“Everyone should be able to get a first-rate education,” she says.

McPhee hopes fellow alumni will consider the benefits they received from the Academy when making their own estate plans.

“It’s never too early to plan these things,” she says. “It’s the prudent thing to do.”