McGill’s Bicentennial is taking place during a singular time in its history: in the midst of a global pandemic, with classes taking place almost entirely online over the past year. Yet research and learning continue, and Principal Emeritus Dr. Bernard J. Shapiro, BA’56, LLD’88, is in awe.
“We’re always taught that universities are sort of staid, traditional institutions,” says Shapiro. “But it turned on a dime last March, and it’s moving forward. I don’t know if the University realizes what a fabulous job they’re doing, but it’s amazing to see. There’s an enormous amount to be proud of.”
Shapiro has been part of McGill for much of its recent history: as an undergraduate student (this year marks his 65th class reunion), honorary doctorate recipient, Principal, volunteer, and alumnus. When he returned to campus as Principal in 1994, “it felt very much as when I left. It was much larger, and there were some new buildings to show for it, but it gave me the same overall feeling, which was wonderful.
“Universities like McGill represent a kind of ongoing tradition, and it’s important that that tradition be sustained. The secret, of course, is to change it while sustaining it, and McGill’s been able to do that.”
Shapiro walked that fine line during his tenure. Partway through his term as Principal he decided that “irrespective of budget restraints, we were going to hire 100 new faculty every year. That’s not a comment on the previous faculty – it’s a comment on the need for new blood in any kind of living institution.” Today he considers that decision his greatest contribution to the University.
Shapiro retired in 2002, but he’s still a strong McGill supporter. That same year he and his late wife, Phyllis, established four student awards in opera, theory and instrumental performance at the Schulich School of Music. He also served as a volunteer on Music’s Faculty Advisory Board for more than 15 years, stepping down late last year as member emeritus, and has participated on advisory boards for the Faculty of Education and the McGill Library.
He and his wife, Lois Roth, also support the McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; they’ve designated a legacy gift to support it.
Leaving a legacy gift is an absolutely wonderful way to associate yourself with the future of the institution. I hope they get 400 gifts!”
“We tried to think of what we might do for McGill because it’s very important to us. Medicine has always been a flagship, and it’s particularly important to my wife and her family. We simply wanted to provide them with a little lubrication – so that when the Faculty makes decisions, it’ll be slightly easier in the long term.”
Ensuring a strong future for McGill is the goal of the 200 for 200 Legacy Challenge. The campaign aims to secure 200 new legacy gifts in celebration of the Bicentennial, and Shapiro has heartily endorsed it.
“Leaving a legacy gift is an absolutely wonderful way to associate yourself with the future of the institution without affecting your current lifestyle or financial situation,” says Shapiro. “And there are so many tax-effective ways to do it. I think it’s an absolutely great way to proceed, and I hope they get 400 gifts!
“The University has never been very well funded, but McGill’s never let that get in the way. It continues to see itself as a leading institution. It doesn’t matter if you’re a custodian or a student or a professor or a member of the Board of Governors: that vision is built into it and continues to drive it forward.”
The fact that McGill is marking a milestone anniversary while overcoming challenges and remaining true to its mission “is absolutely stunning,” says Shapiro. “Through good times and bad times, big times and small times, McGill has sustained this essentially nineteenth-century notion of an institution whose research and teaching programs provide great education and great knowledge for the future. The accomplishment is standing there – and it’s worth celebrating.”
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.
