The LASA Executive Council established the Kalman Silvert Society in 1995 to perpetuate the legacy of this renowned Latin American scholar and LASA’s first President. The Society honors all those who make a commitment to the Association by means of a bequest or a planned gift and who inform us of their generosity. Society members are acknowledged in the Association’s newsletter, the LASA Forum, and are invited to receptions and special events at the LASA Congress. Of course, the greatest reward of all is a personal one, the knowledge that one has made a gift to LASA, which truly keeps on giving.
As LASA’s membership continues to grow so does the need for funding for special programs not covered by ordinary income. It is increasingly difficult to provide an adequate financial base for long-valued programs, such as travel grants for Latin Americans participating in LASA Congresses. The Association has thus committed itself to build its Endowment fund to provide for future needs, many of which cannot be anticipated at this time. One of the ways to increase value of that Fund is through bequests. Bequests allow members and friends of the Association to have a lasting impact on LASA’s long-term capacity for nurturing scholarship in Latin American studies and bringing together students, faculty, and others with a shared commitment of the region.
Through a bequest, anyone not currently in a position to make a substantial gift but wishing to show long-term support for the Association and its programs, may provide LASA by means of their last will and testament.