CINCINNATI, Ohio (Nov. 2, 2022) — Hal Klink entered college intending to become a pharmacist. His switch to a business major turned out to be fortuitous for him and United Way. 

His education – he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Cincinnati; an MBA in finance from Xavier University; and graduated from the National Trust School at Northwestern University – launched him on a 53-year career in banking.  

It was at First National Bank of Cincinnati (now U.S. Bank) where he met the coworker who became his wife. Donna and Hal have been married 52 years. They have two daughters and four grandsons. 

With hard work and talent, Hal quickly climbed the ranks at the bank. It’s where he soon discovered his passion for investments. “You make a lot of decisions when you pick investments,” he says. “You tie that into the organization or person you’re working with, their goals, objectives, risk tolerance and other things. That’s what I enjoy doing.” 

He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. For more than 30 years, he taught personal finance and investments as an adjunct professor of finance at the University of Cincinnati.  

On Sunday mornings, he rose early to go to work at the bank, returning home in time to attend church services with his family. Such dedication was typical of Hal, and it carried over into his volunteer efforts at United Way.  

Hal and Donna were introduced to United Way through the bank’s workforce campaign. Before long, Hal accepted an invitation to serve on United Way’s finance committee. That three-year term, Hal notes wryly, lasted 35 years. During that span, he also served on United Way’s pension, investment, and accountability and services committees, as well as the campaign cabinet. 

Meanwhile, Donna also threw herself into volunteer work, with a focus typically on hospitals and schools. “It’s important to give back,” she says.  

Through Hal’s United Way committee work, he gained an appreciation for the impact that donations make in the community. And quietly working behind the scenes, he used his investment expertise to grow United Way funds so the organization could continue making a difference.  

Hal’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2015, as United Way of Greater Cincinnati celebrated its centennial with a Gathering of Heroes, Hal was among 100 people honored for their volunteer leadership and service.  

While Hal and Donna have devoted countless hours to a number of community organizations, their longstanding relationship with United Way remains special. That is reflected in a generous planned gift. 

“After 30-some years, I felt we owed it to the organization to make a legacy gift,” says Hal, who retired from U.S. Bank in 2017 but still works part-time in wealth management. “I wanted the family name to be remembered after I’m gone, so people know the Klink family thought enough of United Way to make such a gift.”  

The Klinks’ gift helps United Way to continue building financial well-being for all families in the community. You can join the effort to ensure everyone in the region has opportunities to thrive.  

For information about the multiple options for planned giving, contact Brigitte Foley, Director, Transformational Giving, (513) 762-7134. 

For information about the multiple options for planned giving, contact Brigitte Foley, Director of Transformational Giving for United Way at 513-762-7100 or by email at [email protected].