Legacy giving at York University makes an impact on the future

When Kishon Webb received the Gordon & Agnes Brash Award in Engineering, he could barely contain his excitement and he shared the news with his whole family.

The White Rose Legacy Circle reception honoured community members who have made a future gift in their estate plans

“To know that there are people willing to invest in your talents and abilities is extremely empowering,” said Webb. “It gives you the feeling that someone recognizes you for all your hard work and is investing in you in hopes of seeing a greater future.”

Webb’s award was made possible by a gift in the will of the late Ronald Brash in honour of his parents, Gordon and Agnes, who were staunch supporters of education.

Kishon Webb speaks to guests present at the White Rose Legacy Circle reception

This spring, York University had the chance to recognize and acknowledge legacy giving and the many individuals who are leaving a future gift in their estate plans at the annual White Rose Legacy Circle reception.

For many donors, legacy giving is a way to make a thoughtful and lasting impact on York’s students and community.

No one knows about the impact of legacy giving better than York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

“I, too, am a member of the White Rose Legacy Circle and added York as one of my beneficiaries in my estate plan,” said Lenton at the annual tea in May. “And as a first-generation university student, I know what the chance to pursue higher education has meant to me and the opportunities that going to university can create.”

From left: Kishon Webb (seated), Vice-President Advancement Jeff O’Hagan, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton and Kevon Webb (seated)

“Thank you to all of our legacy donors for opening the University’s doors to eligible students with financial need. With your help, we will enhance access to higher education, deepen our ties to the communities we serve and continue to strive for excellence in the work we do, all to create a positive impact in the world,” said Lenton.

For Webb, that impact is real.

“Investing in someone is to give them a piece of yourself, and then empowering them to make the world a better place,” Webb said to legacy donors in May. “All of Canada will benefit from people willing to invest [in] and help one another.”

For more information about legacy giving, contact Marisa Barlas, senior development officer, gift planning, at 416-650-8221 or visit myyorklegacy.com.