Brad Billetdeaux has had many careers in his lifetime, all on a path that started at MIT. “MIT was so instrumental in forming my life,” Brad explains. “It was a stepping stone for my careers.” Brad and his wife, Susan, have stayed connected to MIT by giving back to the Institute’s Annual Fund for 46 years.

As a chemical engineering major with a minor in electrical engineering, Brad secured a job in the oil industry directly after graduating. Over time, the position eventually evolved into including mostly computer work. “This gave me the tools, the curiosity, and the introduction to the IT field that I just loved,” says Brad. Now semi-retired, Brad helps the Houston Audubon Society with its IT.

Brad and Susan met through the MIT-Wellesley College exchange program. Brad took advantage of the new way to meet the humanities requirement and went to Wellesley for a Chinese history course, which Susan was also taking. Early in their relationship, Brad won her over by using a program he wrote on an interactive computer he learned about in one of his MIT courses. The two married shortly after graduation.

In addition to their annual gifts, the Billetdeauxes decided to establish both a bequest intention and a charitable remainder trust to benefit MIT. The bequest intention not only counts toward MIT’s Campaign for a Better World, but both gifts count toward Brad’s reunion year. The gifts are designated as unrestricted, which allows MIT to be flexible, to act quickly, and to funnel funds to areas most in need. “There are so many great areas to support at MIT,” says Brad, “we couldn’t pick just one. We trust that MIT knows best what areas need funding.” Brad also explains, “I get to be a partner with MIT. I feel like I’m involved and making an impact. Also, a charitable remainder trust is a good investment.”

Brad and Susan have given back to MIT, the place where they met, for decades. “MIT brings together so many people from all over the world to do amazing things, and we wanted to help,” says Susan.