Donors’ bequests will support future writers, First Nations students at Malaspina

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Two major bequests created years ago have come together to leave enduring legacies for future students at Malaspina University-College.

Ten years ago a local woman, who has requested to remain anonymous, created an insurance policy on behalf of students at Malaspina University-College. She had a special interest in literature and creative writing and wanted to encourage future young writers to make a contribution to Canadian literature. She died recently and last week the $100,000 policy was delivered by her advisor George Shaw of Sterling Insurance to the Malaspina University-College Foundation.

Her gift will create the Meadowlark Bequest. Starting next year, up to three deserving Malaspina University-College Creative Writing students will be awarded $1,000 scholarships every year.

At around the same time that bequest was made, Mrs. Elizabeth Newham of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Duncan finalized her will, and after gifts to friends and relatives, bequeathed the remainder of her estate to help future First Nations students study at Malaspina University-College.

Last week Parker MacCarthy QC of Ramsay Lampman Rhodes completed probate on the will, and provided $24,280 to the Foundation to create the Elizabeth Newham Endowment. Next year it will start to provide major tuition support annually for First Nations students at the Cowichan campus.

“These gifts prove the power of legacies,” said Foundation Chair Mike Brown. “By making careful plans for the future, these two ladies, with support from their financial and legal advisors, have created enduring contributions to future society.

“They have also left permanent reminders of what was important in their lives, and now those ideals will be recognized for generations to come.

“We are also pleased to recognize the efforts of these professionals, Mr. Shaw and Mr. MacCarthy, who assisted their clients and Malaspina University-College Foundation by providing their expertise in creating these endowments.”

The Malaspina Foundation currently manages over $5.5 million in endowed funds which provide 360 scholarships, awards and bursaries to Malaspina students every year.

For more information contact Roger Prior, Executive Director of the Malaspina University-College Foundation, at 740-6217.

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