As a student I was honoured to receive the Jurate Tanner Scholarship in Science. I knew it was a legacy gift, which made it special.
What I didn’t know was that Jurate Tanner was a woman.
It was only recently that I discovered she’d earned a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a PhD in Science from McGill in the 1950s, then became an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at McGill’s Macdonald Campus.
I was astonished by her story, and I am touched to follow in the footsteps of such an accomplished scientist. It’s individuals like Dr. Tanner who have inspired this women-themed issue of the Legacy Giving Newsletter.
Women haven’t always had a place at McGill. Yet today, our Principal is a woman and more than half of the student body is female. Women have pushed open new boundaries, attained the University’s highest offices, and are now shaping its future.
Dr. Tanner’s scholarship means so much to me. Her generosity empowered me to focus on my Neuroscience studies, relieved me from financial stress, and encouraged me to work even harder. Her gift has already helped eight students like me, and it will continue to do so for generations.
That is the impact of legacy giving. A legacy gift, such as a gift left in a will, is an opportunity to create a lasting impact for generations to come. If you’re inspired to establish a legacy gift of your own, the time is now. The University has just launched the 200 for 200 Legacy Challenge, with the goal of securing 200 legacy gifts in celebration of McGill’s bicentennial.
To those who have already generously left a legacy gift, thank you. I hope someday to follow the same path, and make another student as happy as I was in accepting Dr. Tanner’s scholarship. Please pledge your legacy gift today.
Maria Haddad, BSc’20
Recipient of the Jurate Tanner Scholarship in Science, established in 2012 by Dr. Jurate Tanner, BSc’52, MSc’54, PhD’56.
What will your legacy be?
McGill is celebrating its 200th anniversary with the goal of securing 200 legacy gifts. For more information, please contact us.
