A shared investment

April 29, 2025

Published in: Alumni Association & Foundation, Equity

Alumna splits legacy gift to benefit two universities that shaped her career

Arne and Beverly Brekke passed on the UND legacy to their children, all UND graduates. From left to right in this photo from circa 1972, the children are: Karla Marchell, Karen Brekke, Kristian Brekke and Kari Brekke. Including in-laws, the family holds nine UND degrees. Photo courtesy of Brekke family and UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Editor’s note: In the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, the Equity core value calls on the University to “reduce barriers to higher education by increasing affordability through scholarships, need-based aid and Open Educational Resources.” This story reports on a UND alumna who, following her parents’ lead, has decided to give back — via scholarship opportunities — to the University from which, she says, she gained much.

This story originally appeared on the website of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

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By Jenn Lukens

For Dr. Karen (Brekke) Hoelzer Vilcinskas, ’76, education wasn’t just a stepping stone. It was her family’s legacy.

As a child, Karen spent hours exploring Merrifield Hall, where her father, Dr. Arne Brekke, an immigrant from Norway, taught languages and started an endowment to help build what is now known as the Arne G. Brekke Bygdebok Collection at UND. The collection is among the world’s largest repositories of Norwegian genealogical books and artifacts.

Karen’s mother, Dr. Beverly Wade Brekke-Bailey, ’67, ’71, earned advanced degrees at UND and became a special education professor. She established her own endowment that funds scholarships for special education teachers.

“My parents both wanted to make a difference and help future generations through teaching and giving. They were great role models for me,” Karen said.

With UND as the clear option, Karen got a solid foundation in math and science, graduated with a double major at age 19, and was accepted into medical school at St. Louis University (SLU). For more than 30 years, Karen practiced oncology and was a partner at Springfield Clinic in Illinois before retiring in 2019.

“UND and SLU were instrumental in preparing me for my career,” she noted. “I am very grateful for the education I received at both institutions.”

Motivated by gratitude and retirement planning, Karen took advantage of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT), a savvy investment model that allows the grantor to support multiple charities after passing and generating income while living.

“My financial advisor suggested a CRUT to manage a significant capital gain I received from my investment in Springfield Clinic,” Karen explained. “Through a CRUT, I could minimize taxes, receive income and ultimately benefit the institutions that helped shape me.”

Now retired, Karen enjoys traveling with her husband of three years, Alex Vilcinskas. The couple lives in Texas but made a trip to Barcelona, Spain, last fall. Photo courtesy of of Karen Hoelzer Vilcinskas and the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Karen designated 90% of the CRUT’s remainder to split between UND and SLU after her passing, with UND’s portion supporting student scholarships.

For years, Karen donated to her parents’ endowments that fund the causes they championed. Now, she is championing her own.

“I’m hoping to pay it forward while strengthening UND’s financial future,” Karen explained. “It gives me great joy to know these funds will ease the financial burden for future students.”

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