As an Advancement Officer in the Faculty of Science, Jennifer Abbott, BSc(NutrSc)’97, has the inside scoop on McGill fundraising. She knows the students, meets with donors, and sees the impact of giving on a daily basis.
“I know how they use the money,” says Abbott. “I explain to donors where it goes, and I’m the one in touch with students to talk about how it’s impacted them. Giving makes a huge difference.”
Abbott has worked at the Faculty of Science for eight years. She donates to the Faculty through annual giving (the Undergraduate Research Awards are a perennial favourite) but she’s also gone one step further: arranging a legacy gift – a bequest in her will – to support the Faculty in perpetuity.
“I went through a serious health issue and realized that I needed to get my stuff together. When you’re sitting down and thinking about those things, you think ‘what do I want to do?’ Year after year I meet with students and hear what a difference it’s made. So to me, it was a no-brainer.”Abbott has designated her bequest to the Dean’s Impact Fund. Established by donor Miriam Cooper in honour of her husband, Professor Emeritus John Trischuk, the Impact Fund is used to top up scholarships and establish new student programming. It’s endowed, which means it will continue forever.
I know the Dean. I know how he uses the money, and I know it’s a good place to give.”
While Abbott describes her bequest as “very modest,” when combined with other legacy gifts “it will have a huge impact. When I started at Science we had 12 Undergraduate Research Awards; now we’re at about 90. The cumulative power of giving is astounding to see, and it has a direct impact on students’ lives.”
She herself is a McGill graduate; she enrolled in Engineering and graduated from Mac. She met her husband on campus, and her daughter is completing a medical residency in Medicine. But Abbott’s strongest connection to the University is her work, and the reason for her gift.
“It’s a warm and fuzzy feeling to know you’re helping students. You’re putting your money where your mouth is, and you become part of a community: I wear my 1821 Society pin to events. Education has the power to transform people’s lives, and I would absolutely encourage others to leave a legacy gift to McGill.”
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.
