March ’24 DAR Star: Ryan Rasmussen

by Lindsay Tuck Morris

We work with absolutely incredible people—and we all have varied interests and experiences, which adds to the unique makeup of the University of Georgia. We’ll be regularly spotlighting a few rock stars from around the division so that even if you don’t cross paths with them in the break room or Zoom with them on a weekly basis, you can get to know colleagues who can enhance your work life and productivity.

Without further ado, please enjoy our Q&A with Ryan Rasmussen …

Name: Ryan Rasmussen

Title: Assistant Director of Gift and Estate Planning

  • As an Assistant Director of Gift and Estate Planning at the University of Georgia (UGA), my role centers on structuring deferred gifts and facilitating non-cash contributions to the university. I specialize in collaborating with other fundraisers and engaging in strategic conversations with donors to explore planned giving options that align with their philanthropic intentions toward UGA. Part of my responsibilities includes traveling to Atlanta and other cities within Georgia to meet with donors personally. These visits allow me to understand their values and assist in their considerations on how best to support UGA through their giving.
  • What might people not know about your job? My goal is to demystify planned giving and provide donors and colleagues with easy-to-understand information. I am a Certified Financial Professional CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, so I love everything financial planning.

Where can we find you?

  • Online: ude.agu@r.nayr
  • On Campus: 1 Press Place, Suite 101
  • At Home: Athens, Georgia

Time in DAR: 2 years

Where did you grow up: Lilburn, Georgia

What work project are you most proud of participating in? I have really enjoyed preparing planned giving presentations for teams across campus. I’ve also enjoyed pulling together planned giving data to help leadership with establishing future initiatives for our office.

What is your favorite reason for working for UGA/DAR? The Gift and Estate Planning Office is the best team I’ve ever worked for. I enjoy the awesome stuff our small but mighty team gets to work on.

What is your favorite spot in Athens to grab lunch? Kelly’s Jamaican Foods. One of the best restaurants in Athens, in my opinion.

Tell us about your family … My wife, Faith, and I met while attending the University of Georgia. After graduating, we moved to San Francisco but couldn’t stay away from Athens for long. We moved back and have planted our roots here. Our special little guy, Loki the Dachshund, is the third member of our little family. We spoil him immensely. Chances are, if you have a pet that goes to Pawtropolis on the east side, they have met Loki.

On a typical Saturday evening, you can find me … Biking around Athens or at Lark Wine Space (2nd favorite place in Athens, after Kelly’s Jamaican Foods.)

No. 1 tip for someone just joining DAR: Put yourself out there and meet everyone. The people who work here are simply the best and will make you feel welcome from the get-go.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about … My coffee set up at my house consists of a smorgasbord of chemistry equipment. It takes me a minimum of 5 minutes to make a cup of coffee and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I try and bike everywhere in Athens. I also spend a huge amount of time nerding out about financial planning. I have enjoyed watching the Money Guy Show hosted by Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, who are both graduates of the University of Georgia.

Favorite book or podcast: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Lately, I’ve been watching … Tokyo Vice

A song that really pumps me up is … Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry

Something you might not know about me is … I’m an amateur surfer. It’s been a while since I’ve lived near a surf spot so I am very rusty.

My dream vacation (cost and time aside) is to visit … To eat my way through Tokyo!

We hope you learned something new about Ryan. We are lucky to have him on our DAR team! Feel free to reach out to him if you have questions about gift and estate planning or need surfing advice.

/by