‘True giving is not measured by wealth’: Richard Paegelow’s legacy of generosity at KU

When he was studying Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Kansas in the late 1960s, Richard Paegelow embarked on a one-year study abroad trip to Costa Rica. This transformational trip inspired him to later give back to the Costa Rica study abroad program, among many others, so more students could gain invaluable cultural experiences as he had. 

Paegelow passed away in June 2025 after a battle with melanoma, leaving behind a dedicated and generous legacy at KU. Christopher Tang, Paegelow’s partner of 38 years, said that even though Paegelow was frugal with money when it came to himself, he was always generous toward others. 

Paegelow was fluent in five languages and enjoyed exploring the world. However, he never lost his roots in the KU community. In his lifetime, Paegelow gave over $5 million to KU to support study abroad experiences and the KU Cancer Center. Cancer research was a cause that was important to him because of its impact on his mother and friends, as well as himself. 

For over 15 years, Paegelow served as a board member and chairman of KU’s International Study Advisory Board. He sponsored more than 80 students to study abroad in Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Panama and Switzerland.

“He even visited these universities and met with the students he supported, ensuring that each program upheld the values he cherished — curiosity, integrity and global citizenship,” Tang said. 

Paegelow secured his legacy at KU by establishing charitable gift annuities. CGAs allow donors to make a gift to the university and receive a fixed amount each year for the rest of their life. Making a charitable gift annuity also can qualify donors for a federal income tax deduction if they itemize, and donors can also minimize capital gains taxes by making their gift with appreciated property. 

For example, if donors, who were 75 and 73 years old, were to make a $25,000 charitable gift annuity, they would receive a payment rate of 6%, or $1,500 each year for the rest of their lives. They would also be eligible for a federal income tax charitable deduction of $8,792.  

Paegelow also inspired Tang to designate a portion of his estate to support study abroad and cancer research at KU, despite Tang not being a KU alumnus. 

“Richard’s generosity was never performative,” Tang said. “It was rooted in a sincere desire to uplift others and build a more compassionate world. His life reminds us that true giving is not measured by wealth, but by the depth of one’s commitment to others — a character trait I deeply admire and will always treasure.” 

If you are interested in making a charitable gift annuity and creating a legacy at KU like Richard Paegelow, contact Andy Morrison, vice president of gift planning at KU Endowment, at 785-832-7327 or [email protected].