Our Donors & Their Gifts

Edward Trach '58 MFA

When Edward (Ed) Trach '58 MFA learned of his acceptance to Yale School of Drama's playwriting program, he felt honored and delighted. But, as a veteran of the Korean War who was about to get married, he wasn't sure whether he could afford to study there. Then, he was offered a work-study position as house manager at Yale's University Theatre—a job that not only provided much needed financial support, but also invaluable skills for his successful career in television.

After graduating, Ed became a writer and producer for Emmy Award-winning television shows, including classic comedies like The Dick Van Dyke Show, and soap operas like As the World Turns. His time at the School of Drama made a lasting impact on his career, not only by "providing an excellent education, but by giving me challenging opportunities to develop creatively and analytically, skills that I used every day in television."

Ed was able to demonstrate his gratitude in a tangible way by creating a charitable remainder trust and by making direct transfers from his Individual Retirement Account. "Through my trust and IRA rollovers I was able to make generous gifts and save taxes at the same time. By contributing to the School of Drama, I support its mission to produce the artistic visionaries and creative leaders of tomorrow. It's very satisfying to know that the school that served me so well will have more resources to serve new generations of students."

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