Emeritus Professor David Bragg’s delight in helping students runs deep in his core. When he applied to work in the University of Redlands mathematics department, he wrote in his curriculum vitae, "I am a teacher rather than a mathematician.” Bragg served 32 years at the University, living that statement to the fullest, and since his retirement in 1999, he has set his intentions to continue helping students for years to come with planned philanthropy.
Initially, Bragg formalized his inclusion of the institution in his estate plans, setting provisions to create two endowed scholarships—one for Johnston students and another for mathematics or computer science students—and to create the Johnston Founders' Chair in Alternative Education and the Math Department Award Fund. These gifts will extend his legacy at the University, improving the quality of education that students will receive and helping make that education accessible.
Recently, understanding that there were more ways to support the University and support himself in his retirement, Professor Bragg established a charitable gift annuity, allowing him to enhance his philanthropy and receive a guaranteed income for life. Gift annuity rates are fixed, based on the beneficiary’s age, and they’re currently at their highest levels in over a decade.
When asked about his motivation, Bragg was very practical about living in a retirement community he jokingly calls the “county poor house” and the realities of increasing expenses: “When you wind up in the county poor house, it’s going to cost a little more every year, so it’s nice to add income above your pension while knowing that you can support students as well.”
Throughout his tenure at the University, Bragg made significant contributions both inside and outside the classroom. He taught at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and was an early instructor at the Johnston College, now the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies. After eight years at Johnston, he returned full-time to the CAS mathematics department.
In addition to his teaching, Bragg collaborated with English professor Eileen Cotter to establish the first on-campus tutoring center, aimed at assisting students facing academic challenges. He also played a crucial role in launching the Fletcher Jones Foundation Computer Center, serving as its director for nine years. Under his guidance, the center introduced the campus to the internet, the web, and email.
During his illustrious career, Bragg held various administrative positions, including chair of the mathematics, engineering, and computer science departments, vice president for academic affairs, director of the Salzburg program, and Fulbright exchange professor.
Even in retirement, Bragg's commitment to the University remains unwavering. He has been an active leader in the retiree organization, recognizing the profound impact the University has had on many retired faculty members.
Bragg's lifelong support of Redlands reflects his belief in the importance of higher education and the critical role scholarships play in making it accessible to deserving students. "Funding scholarships is a good way to give back to the University that gave me such fulfillment," says Bragg. "I encourage others to consider how they can support the departments and programs that have lifelong impacts on so many.”
To learn how you can secure life income while supporting University of Redlands, contact Tony Truong at (909) 748-8050 or tony_truong@redlands.edu.