.png)
September 13th marks International Legacy Giving Day. A day when across the world gifts in Wills are celebrated, and we give thanks to supporters who have continued their stories in extraordinary ways.
As the Legacy Officer at the University of Liverpool it is my honour to shine the spotlight on legacy gifts and how our amazing legacy supporters have made marvellous things happen at Liverpool.
Since April 2019, I have been privileged to oversee the management of legacy gifts given by our generous supporters and ensuring their final wishes are carried out. I love my job, and I am always inspired by our wonderful legacy supporters and the heartwarming stories behind their acts of kindness.
During my time at Liverpool, I’ve discovered many interesting stories about legacy gifts given to the University, and how they have contributed to enhancing student experiences, and shaped the campus we all love today. For instance, the earliest legacy recorded was a donation of books to the College Library in the 1885-6 academic year by the late Assistant-Professor Clark. Such acts of kindness have spanned the lifetime of our University.
Did you know that we have former architecture student, Janet Gnosspelious to thank for playing a significant role in refurbishing the Sydney Jones Library? Janet left a generous legacy gift to the University, which included a small book collection. Another remarkable gift came from alumna Elizabeth Gidney, whose affiliation with the University spanned over 75 years. Her legacy supported the re-development of the Guild of Students, which remains one of the largest students’ unions in Europe.
More recently, alumna and noted physicist Dr Margaret Hope Alston-Garnjost, continued her story at Liverpool by helping to support the COVID-19 Student Crisis Support Fund in 2020. Her legacy also contributed to the development of the new Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, and part funding a Physics PhD Student:
"When I was accepted onto a PhD at Liverpool, I knew I had just been given an amazing opportunity, but the legacy gift was brilliant news I couldn't have hoped for. The extended funding gives me more security, and the chance to spend time exploring more projects in my field. The funding for training is definitely something I will be taking advantage of, and the chance to visit Berkeley is something I never expected to be able to do."
To honour Caroline ‘June’ Ilott’s memory, her family gave their approval for June’s legacy gift to support the inspiring work of Future Goals. This partnership between LFC Foundation, Everton in the Community, the Steve Morgan Foundation, IntoUniversity and the University of Liverpool is dedicated to helping young people from disadvantaged areas across the region to realise their full potential through education.
Alumna and much loved teacher, Mary Ann Hughes along with alumnus Geoffrey Wilson have provided vital funding for the Student Fund, which exists to ensure that students of every background can come to Liverpool and make the most of their time here. Along with other extraordinary supporters, Mary and Geoffrey together they have funded scholarships and bursaries for students who would otherwise miss out on a university education.
We are privileged to have so many supporters, past and present who have helped make great things happen at our university by continuing their story at Liverpool through a lasting legacy.
If you would like to chat with me about legacy giving, I’d be delighted to speak with you. You can contact me, Carolyn Jones at: carolyn.jones@liverpool.ac.uk