Donors who leave a legacy gift to McGill make a lasting impact on the University and its students. Every year, their generosity helps exceptional young minds follow their dreams – create music, treat disease, and help make the world a better place. Here are just a few of their stories from the 2019-20 academic year.
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“I want to express my thanks and well wishes for the support I've received. Without every bursary, loan and scholarship, I would not have gotten this far. Knowing that my support system extends beyond my friends and family, but also to strangers who are silently supporting me, gives me the motivation to work that much harder. I recognize that planned giving donors — who are so willing to unselfishly lend a hand without asking for anything in return — have allowed me to pursue my dreams and become my own independent person. I am infinitely appreciative of your support, and I could not be more grateful.”
– Cherry Chai, BScN'22. Recipient of the Isabel Clarke Dickson Woodrow Scholarship.
“I came to McGill to equip myself with the knowledge and expertise to deepen my ability to do good. The Greville-Smith scholarship is one of the main reasons I am here today.
In high school I founded a non-profit that works to educate and engage young Canadians in conversations on homelessness. I am still active with the organization, and I often find myself applying what I learn in class to my work.
At McGill I've had the fortune to participate in two co-curricular programs. My work with McGill Not-for-Profit Consulting, which provides pro-bono consulting services to Montreal NGOs, has been invaluable in providing me with hands-on experience in the real world. I'm also involved with Pennydrops, a charity that promotes financial literacy among high school students. I am honoured to be stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer on the national team.
All of these opportunities have empowered me to make a positive impact. Thank you for helping me on my journey of becoming the change maker I have aspired to be my entire life.”
– Ivan Chiang, BCom'22. Recipient of the Greville-Smith Scholarship.
This bursary was of great help to me and my family. It will allow me to spend more of my time practicing, studying, and doing what I love. As an aspiring musician, it is easy to get stressed over finances and forget why I do what I do. But the generosity and support I have been shown will certainly help me to overcome these obstacles and continue to make music.”
– Annika Bowers, BMus'22, Violin Performance. Recipient of the John Edward Cook Entrance Bursary.
“I have always held a passion for wildlife. I am currently doing an honours project in entomology and peer-tutoring in a flowering plant diversity class; in the past I volunteered at the Macdonald Herbarium and the Morgan Arboretum. I am truly honoured to have received a scholarship — it will help tremendously in funding my schooling. Thank you so much for helping young people make their start in science.”
– Claire Paillard, BSc(AgEnvSc)'20. Recipient of the Kevin O’Neill Scholarship. (Pictured above with Professor Jim Fyles, Tomlinson Chair in Forest Ecology.)
This past school year brought on a lot of new challenges. My parents moved abroad for better job opportunities, and I started the clinical part of the Medicine program. I spent entire days at the hospital and entire evenings self-learning – working a student job was impossible.
Therefore, I cannot thank donors enough for their generous support. It allowed me to focus on my studies, find out what I am passionate about, and reduce my financial stress. I am thinking of becoming a neurologist, since my favourite rotation was in neurology.”
– Anonymous, MDCM'21. Recipient of the T.F. Rose Bursary.
A note from a donor
“I am a proud member of McGill's 1821 Legacy Society. Since its very inception, planned gift donors have shaped the University in innumerable ways: supporting students, strengthening research, and ensuring its continued success. I hope that planned gift donors take pride in students' successes, because it is our extraordinary community that has helped to make them possible. As donors we share a vision of what McGill can be in the future, and together, we are making it a reality.”
– The Hon. Michael A. Meighen, CM, QC, BA'60, LLD'12. Chancellor of McGill University and member of the 1821 Legacy Society.
Please scroll down to view 'The power of planned giving' in numbers for 2019-20.
The gift of a lifetime. Made possible by you. Made by McGill.
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