Better access to education. Increased funding for research. A more promising future for McGill and its Faculties. Whether via a traditional bequest in their will, by naming McGill in their life insurance policy, or by making use of creative, advisor-approved ways to plan strategically, donors who give through their estates are building legacies that mirror their values – and creating change that lasts forever.
From the 1821 bequest that launched a university, to today’s 200 for 200 Legacy Challenge, which aims to confirm 200 new legacy gifts to celebrate McGill’s 200th anniversary, McGill’s faculty, staff and students are deeply grateful to this visionary donor community.
It was our wealth manager who suggested that we make McGill the beneficiary of our life insurance policy. He knew that we intended to leave a lot of our estate to the University, and this way our gift goes even further. If you’re serious about supporting McGill, consult with your financial advisor. I think everybody who is in a position to do so should seriously consider a planned gift.”
Professor Faith Wallis, BA’71, MA’74, MLS’76, and Kendall Wallis, BA’69, MLS’71. By naming McGill as a beneficiary of their life insurance policy, the Wallises, both career McGillians, will strengthen support for graduate students in History and Classical Studies.
My bequest is a ‘thank you’ to the University. It’s good for McGill, it’s good for Music, and it’s good for the students. McGill is a special school in a special city, and I’m forever grateful for my time there. When I created my scholarship in 1988, I was not in a position to cover a student’s full tuition. But it’s something I wanted to do, and I’m happy to say I’ve been successful enough over the years to make it happen.”
Frank Mills, recording artist, former McGill Music student, founder of the Frank Mills Scholarship. His bequest will enhance his existing partial scholarship so that it can cover full tuition for a student in the Schulich School of Music.
McGill continues to be one of the best institutions in the world, and that excellence cannot be taken for granted. I’ve become aware that I have assets that can not only support a non-profit institution like McGill, but also help me and my heirs in terms of effective tax planning. It is vitally important that alumni support McGill through estate planning, and this was the best approach for me.”
Joan Tousey, BMus’76. She named McGill as a beneficiary of her retirement plan assets, which will support the Schulich School of Music, where she studied music history, with a minor in piano. It was this education that fueled a lifelong passion for music and helped her build a career in higher-education fundraising.
I love the McGill Library. My husband and I were able to make a ‘stretch gift’ and give more to the University than we might otherwise have done, because we pledged dollars now to its exciting Fiat Lux project and also left a bequest in our wills to enrich the Library further. It makes us happy to know that a Reading Nook bearing our names will be a study spot for generations of McGill students. We are really proud to be leaving legacy gifts to McGill, and I encourage others to do so as well.”
Ann Vroom, BA’67. Past Chair of the Friends of the Library advisory board, member of the Campaign Cabinet and Lead Ambassador for the 200 for 200 Legacy Challenge.
I was very honoured to receive my bursary. As a fourth-year medical student, I spend a lot of time at the hospital and I don’t have the time for a part-time job. This bursary helped me cope with my financial situation and contributes to the success of my studies!”
Rose Choinière, recipient of the David G. Guthrie Major Bursary. Dr. Guthrie, BSc’43, MDCM’44, made a gift during his lifetime and planned a bequest that significantly enhanced the value of the awards that bear his name.
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.
