Warren DePrenger: Cornell Will Put Your Gift to Good Use

Warren DePrenger '55 attributes much of his current success as a business owner to a “wonderful college experience” during four years at Cornell. He’s saying “thank you” with a planned gift from his Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan.

“I wanted to help the college,” says DePrenger, “and the tax benefits from making this type of gift are very good. If
you have an inclination for gifting, the place to start is with an SEP or an IRA.” The individual retirement plans carry similar tax burdens.

DePrenger, who attended Cornell on a
grant-in-aid, graduated in 1955 with a business degree. He was a four-year conference wrestling champion, team captain and an NCAA wrestling finalist. For his accomplishments, DePrenger was inducted into the Cornell Hall of Fame.

“The wrestling, the academics and the size of Cornell all fit me very well,” says DePrenger. “I liked the small-school atmosphere…and my wrestling experience at Cornell has helped me in all of my career decisions.”

DePrenger, a one-time teacher and wrestling coach, has for the past 36 years owned Matman Wrestling, a company he founded in 1969 to manufacture and wholesale wrestling uniforms and gear. He has equipped Olympic teams since 1988, including the U.S. team and more than 30 other international teams.

“I do feel obligated to Cornell,” says DePrenger, “and I feel comfortable giving to the college.

“There are others ways beside an SEP or IRA in which you can give to Cornell, but this is a wonderful place to start because of the tax ramifications. Cornell will put your gift to good use.”