Kurt Wulff (MBA 1967) credits Harvard Business School with changing the way he viewed decision making. Even after 50 years, he remembers Dr. Howard Raifa’s courses on game theory and decision analysis.

A chemical engineering major in college, Wulff worked at an Exxon oil refinery and designed chemical plants for Chevron. “I had practical experience in the energy field, but as an engineer, I focused entirely on the quantitative,” explains Wulff.

His wife, Louise, suggested he take business courses at night. He did well, and when a marketing professor encouraged him to study full-time, Louise proposed that HBS would be the logical choice.

“HBS gave me a broader perspective and taught me to think differently,” says Wulff. “It stressed looking at the whole picture and taking leadership responsibility for a decision.”

After graduating, he combined his background in oil and gas with his management education to become an oil analyst first at Arthur D. Little and then Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette. In 1987, he founded McDep, LLC, which conducts independent energy investment research.

After years of supporting HBS annually, the Wulffs furthered their commitment to the School by establishing a charitable remainder trust. The trust will support HBS, as well as his undergraduate college and high school. “Each school played a role in preparing me for the next step in life,” explains Wulff. “But I feel the strongest kinship and personal attachment to HBS. It was the most important contributor to my professional achievements.”

With a charitable remainder trust, the couple combined their long-term financial and tax planning objectives with their philanthropic goals. “It is a convenient and tax-efficient way to support HBS and receive an income for life,” explains Wulff. When he makes additions to the trust, Wulff uses long-term, appreciated stock for a double tax benefit. He avoids paying the capital gain and qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction.

“A trust enabled us to make a bigger gift to HBS than we would otherwise have been able to do,” says Wulff. “We are proud to support HBS and the Campaign.”

Learn how you can receive an income for life while you support HBS.

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