Biology and the outdoors have always been a passion for Paul Thompson, Artsci’71, Ed’73, MSc’75, Law’80.
He grew up on a farm, has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Queen’s in biology, and spent several years teaching high school science and biology.
Now Thompson wants to ensure future generations of biology students enjoy their field research experience by arranging a planned gift using his Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to support the Queen’s University Biology Station (QUBS).
“I am a big fan of people getting out and experiencing nature. So, supporting (QUBS) is a natural fit,” says Thompson, who after graduation went on to a career as a lawyer and is now a counselor with Correctional Service of Canada.
The 3,400-hectare QUBS property, located about 60 kilometres northwest of campus, is one of Canada’s top scientific field stations. Students and researchers have been conducting leading-edge research and taking courses there for more than 70 years. The station has grown over the years, with the main facility at Opinicon now having more than 30 buildings to give researchers access to many different types of habitats.
“I enjoyed being at the field station. It was considerably more rustic when I was there back in the late 1960s and early ‘70s,” says Thompson.
Over the years, Thompson has donated to the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Biology and recently switched his full support to QUBS.
Thompson made arrangements with Queen’s Gift Planning to name the university as the remainder beneficiary of his Tax-Free Savings Account, which will give his estate a tax credit. His planned gift is his way of leaving a legacy and helping make his community better.
“My family is fairly well-provided for and I saw (my planned gift) as another way to give back to Queen’s,” said Thompson. “I don’t expect to have a building named after me. But I really like the work the field station is doing so I thought I’d support it.”
To learn more about the simple steps and benefits of naming Queen’s as a beneficiary of your Tax-Free Savings Account to create a lasting legacy in support of the causes you care about most, please contact the Gift Planning team.
