“I consider student-athletes to be amongst McGill’s greatest ambassadors,” says Sally McDougall, BSc'68, DipEd'69, DLitt'13.
“Whether they're a synchronized swimmer, a rugby player, a sailor, or a football player, they are superb. They work hard, they play hard, and they win.”
McDougall would know: her family has deep roots in McGill athletics. She played three varsity sports, her father Chip Drury, BEng'39, was a star athlete, and her four sons all competed for McGill. She remains a staunch McGill supporter and has served over the years on the former Women's Athletic Board, the Sports Hall of Fame Committee, the Board of Governors, The Martlet Foundation, and the McGill Alumni Association.
“Today’s kids blow me away,” says McDougall. “A student's life today is much more difficult, in every shape and form, than it was when I was a student.”
McGill’s student-athletes earn her highest praise – particularly those who compete on partially funded teams. “They acquire a tremendous skill set, because nothing is laid out for them. They hire referees, paint their own lines, and when they make it to nationals, much of it comes from their own pocket. They do very well on very little, and women's teams have it even harder.”
That’s why McDougall is leaving a legacy gift to support McGill Athletics’ Level 2 (partially-funded) women’s teams.
“Leaving a gift in my will was an opportunity to think ahead. It's a chance to be strategic, and spend a little bit longer planning what you want to accomplish. I want to support athletes because Athletics will always have a need for funding, both now and in the future.”
Her motivation for leaving a bequest is what also inspires her volunteerism: “I’m doing it because I want to do it, and I want to make a difference. I don’t know every student’s story, but I know they all have one. My gift will ease their burden, and this will be my legacy.”
What will your legacy be? Learn more about legacy giving.