The recent passing of Chancellor Emeritus Murray Sinclair has had me reflecting on the truly remarkable gift he gave Queen’s University. He offered his wisdom, time, and expertise at a time when Queen’s is undertaking significant efforts to advance the goals of reconciliation and Indigenization. For this, we will be forever grateful.
The former chancellor’s gift to Queen’s is an important legacy and, in my role, I am often reminded of the incredible and inspiring legacies animating our university’s history. Over its 183 years, Queen’s has benefited from innumerable champions promoting the university’s education and, consequently, the advancement of scientific research, the arts, health, and justice, among other social benefits.
I find learning the stories of these Queen’s champions so interesting, because while each person who steps up to offer their time, talent, or treasure is so unique, they each share a belief in the life-altering power of knowledge and education. Then, they go on to demonstrate their commitment to this principle through their engagement with Queen’s.
As readers of the Queen's Alumni Review, you undoubtedly know that Queen’s University is striving to solve society’s greatest challenges through research, teaching, and community engagement. I would encourage you to perhaps reflect on your own legacy and how you might engage with Queen’s, in support of its admirable and expansive mission.
One way to demonstrate such commitment, of course, is to donate money. Many of you do that already – and thank you for that! I should note that the Queen’s University Alumni Association board was thrilled at the success of our recent matching campaign held in conjunction with Giving Tuesday at the beginning of December. However, I also recently had the opportunity to attend an informational session about planned giving and the opportunities to remember Queen’s in your estate plans. This was something I had not thought about before, but I am seriously considering it now. I would encourage anyone, but especially “millennial dog parents” like myself, to check it out.
Other ways to support Queen’s, Queen’s students, and higher education in Ontario and Canada include: participating in the hiring and mentorship of students and recent graduates; discussing and championing Queen’s in areas where you have influence; and, of course, remembering higher education as an issue at the ballot box.
If you have any other thoughts about leaving a Queen’s legacy, I would welcome hearing them. Thank you!
