Honoring a Life Transformed by Opportunity

Sheila Rao Honors Her Father's Global Connection to Dunwoody Through a Transfer on Death (TOD) Gift

Dunwoody's Global Reach

Many may be unfamiliar with Dunwoody College's international impact, but its reach has extended far beyond the United States. In 1953, thanks to a grant from the Ford Foundation, Dunwoody established its International Services Division, sending instructors to Indonesia to support technical education. At the heart of this initiative was Dr. K. Nagaraja Rao, a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. As the division's head, he worked as a consultant to the Indonesian government, in the capital city of Jakarta, helping to develop indigenous industries and serving as the liaison between the Ford Foundation and the Indonesian Ministry of Education.

A Family's New Beginning

Dr. Rao saw his life and career transformed by this opportunity at Dunwoody, which ultimately returned his wife and two sons to Minneapolis to work on the Dunwoody campus. He and his wife went on to have two daughters, the youngest of which is Sheila Rao. Sheila fondly recalls visiting Dunwoody with her father on Saturdays, where the smell of fresh bread and fruitcakes lingered in the air. She credits Dunwoody with providing her father the opportunity to build a new life in America, an opportunity that shaped her family's future in ways she can't help but reflect on: "What if my father had never received this job? What if he had stayed in Indonesia? What if he returned to his birthplace of Bangalore, India?

Sheila says their time in Minnesota left an indelible mark. Their neighbors in St. Louis Park welcomed them warmly, lifelong friendships were made, and Sheila and her siblings benefited from a strong education. Though there were challenges – particularly for her mother, who had to adjust to a new culture and language. Sheila remembers her family's resilience, including her mother serving as the general contractor for their home on Morningside Road.

The Ford Foundation offered Dr. Rao a job in New York City when the grant with Dunwoody came to an end. Sheila was just 5 years old when the family relocated to the New York metropolitan area. It was a bittersweet moment as the family looked forward to the next opportunity, but Minneapolis had a special place in their hearts.

Giving Back Through a Transfer on Death Gift

Recognizing the profound role Dunwoody played in shaping her family's trajectory, Sheila has chosen to give back in a meaningful way by designating Dunwoody as the beneficiary of her investment account through a Transfer on Death Designation (TODD). This simple yet impactful estate planning tool allows her to leave a lasting legacy without the complexities of probate.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Sheila, who built a successful career as a CPA for major corporations, reflects on her decision with gratitude: "Without Dunwoody, I would not be in the comfortable position I am in today." Through her planned gift, she ensures that future students, whether from Minnesota or across the world – will have access to life-changing educational opportunities, just as her father did decades ago.