"Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less"
- Marie Curie
Introduction
This edition of the legacy newsletter pays tribute to those who have left a legacy gift to York, or have pledged to do so. I had the pleasure of speaking with members of the Department of Archaeology about the impact of Thomas Reid’s legacy gift. As well as paying tribute to the memory of Trevor James, whose love of York was passed down to his son Edward. I also share a wonderful Alumni story from Alan, who is now on the Board of Directors at the University of York in America.
Finally, just in case you missed this year’s YorkTalks, I have included the link and discussed some of my personal favourites – so you can catch up with how York academics are forging ahead in their research.
- Mary Taylor Lewis (Legacies Officer)
Thank you from Professor Nicky Milner, Head of York's Archaeology Department
Professor Nicky Milner is Head of the Archaeology Department at York, which recently received a generous legacy gift from Thomas Reid.
Read on to hear about the full impact, and to begin this newsletter I am sharing Nicky’s thank you:
Nicky recorded this video for University supporters in context of a huge milestone in our York Unlimited campaign, we have raised £100 million and unlocked 100,000 volunteer hours! This is incredible, and our legacy community are a huge part of reaching this milestone - so thank you.
The future of legacy gifts
“The next 25 years will be the biggest transfer of wealth from generation to generation ever seen in history. You’re either a part of that, or you’re not.”
Rob’s claim offers a slightly different perspective on legacy gifts. We know that gifts in wills are unique to the passions and interests of those leaving them and this will undoubtedly always be the most important element of a legacy gift: the chance to plant a seed for the next generation.
Although, Rob’s comment expands the potential of a legacy because he foresees a growth in these uniquely important gifts – whether they are used to support a student, or help fund groundbreaking research, or create a space within the York community – when considered all together it reveals this “transfer,” not only of wealth, but of passion and ambition from one generation of learners to the next.
In this newsletter, I have gathered stories from those who pledged a gift to York in their will and I have also spoken to the students and researchers who have benefited from these gifts. It is your foresight in this moment which can create even more opportunities, and be part of the future. You can be the person behind a life-changing scholarship, a breakthrough in research, or supporting a student’s mental health.
Impact
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar.
Announcement: The Reid Scholarship
Quand le sol aura été interrogé, il répondra. / When the soil has been questioned, it will answer - L’Abbe Jean Cochet, French Archaeologist (1812-1875).
‘The Reid Scholarship’ in Archaeology has been established by a generous legacy gift from Thomas Gordon Reid who passed away in October 2019. The scholarship is in memory of Thomas and his brother, David Julian Reid. It will support future students in their study, research and travel in the field of worldwide archaeology, offering exciting and life-changing opportunities. In addition, ‘The Reid Archaeology Fund’ has also been founded, prioritising projects which can reach more students to have the greatest impact.
The head of the Archaeology department, Professor Nicky Milner, describes the importance of this particular PhD scholarship:
"We were absolutely thrilled about this incredibly generous legacy gift to Archaeology which will enable many students to come and study archaeology with us. We know scholarships provide incredible opportunities to our students who would not otherwise be able to afford to come to University and that these students go on to great things when they leave us. We are delighted that our first scholarship will help matchfund an Arts and Humanities Research Council PhD project in partnership with Museum of London Archaeology to examine digital recording strategies in development-led archaeology, which no doubt will have important impacts on field archaeology in the future."
The first Reid Scholarship was awarded to first year PhD student, Leila Araar. In her words, Leila is:
“incredibly excited for this opportunity to contribute to our understanding of field-based digital recording techniques and their impact on our perceptions and dissemination of archaeology.”
Her supervisor, Dr Colleen Morgan, further describes the impact of the research undertaken in the PhD:
"Araar will be conducting research that is critical to both the academic and commercial sectors in examining how digital tools are used in archaeology to understand the past. Digital tools are being rapidly deployed with little understanding of how they are shaping our profession in terms of working conditions, retention and preservation of data and dissemination of this research to the public. Araar's work will be formative to how archaeological fieldwork is conducted in the UK, and potentially around the world."
Thomas Reid’s legacy was crucial in creating this opportunity for Leila. The gift will continue having an impact for many years to come; by supporting other student scholars, providing new projects which will benefit the whole of the Archeology department, and the unforeseeable impact of the passion-fuelled research on the academic community - driven by individuals like Leila.
In memory: Trevor James
Trevor graduated from York in 1969 with a degree in English Literature. Throughout his life, he was a strong believer in 'citizen science' and made major contributions to naturalist research and study. His fond memories of York recommended the University to his son, Edward, who studied Archaeology to a masters degree (Edward also added the Archaeology department's good reputation was a factor in his choice). Therefore, it was only natural that at his graduation, Edward dug out his fathers 39-years old graduation gown - as seen in the photo here. Edward remembers walking across the stage to receive his certificate from the then Chancellor Greg Dyke, and receiving a quizzical look because he was the only person in the hall wearing the same style of gown as Greg!
During his lifetime, Trevor supported the University through regular gifts to our York Unlimited campaign. His donations directly benefited students from across the University in their pursuit of an education at York. He helped them make the most out of their time, to enjoy studying, socialising and having transformational experiences, without constant financial worries hanging over their heads. We were deeply touched to find that Trevor had chosen to remember York in his will, and in his honour, we directed the legacy gift to reflect his own York experiences. His legacy has supported students in the department of English and Related Literature. The scholarship is a sign to these students that they belong in York, and that an individual from the York community believed in them. Thank you Trevor, and his family, for this incredible gift.
A current York Opportunity Scholar in English, Emily, shared what the scholarship meant for her both academically and personally:
"My scholarship has undoubtedly improved my access to academic development. It has allowed me to invest in audio resources of my texts, which I really enjoy and find very helpful. I feel that my scholarship gives me a sense of security, allowing me to fully embrace university life, both academically and socially. I would love to say thank you to my donor for their support and generosity! I want them to know what a difference they have made to my time and how grateful I am for that! Higher education is particularly important to me as I am the first member of my family to attend university, so opening more opportunities. Equally, it is a great experience to live independently and meet new people.”
Trevor and his son Edward at Edward's graduation
Trevor and his son Edward at Edward's graduation
The Heslington Circle
If you are considering leaving a gift to the University of York in your Will, we would love to hear from you so that we can help you with any information you need, and personally thank you.
Everyone who lets us know that they have included the University in their will is invited to join the Heslington Circle.
Below, I share Alan’s memories about coming to York from across the pond. I hope his story sparks some of your own memories with York, and if you would like to reminisce about your time, please do get in touch!
We understand that writing a Will is a private matter, so all information you give us will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Alan Eynon, Heslington Circle Member
Alan Eynon currently resides in Dallas, Texas, USA but the University of York holds a special place in his heart. So much so that he is now a member of the Board of Directors at the University of York in America. He has included a gift in his will to support the future generations of students who will come to live and study in York to reach their full potential and realise their dreams.
"I was extremely fortunate that my job brought me to England, and that the University allowed me to research my D.Phil on a part-time basis over several years. By leaving a legacy gift to the University, I want to open the door for students in science, mathematics, and engineering to study in the USA, especially for those who may not have considered looking that far over the horizon. I benefited immensely from my studies at York and hope to pass on some small portion of that good fortune to generations of students yet to come."
Alan shared his blustry October wedding photo, taken in York during 1996. He had just turned in his thesis, but had not yet defended; so his wife, Angela, likes to remind him that at their wedding they were “Doctor and Mister!”
No matter where you live in the world you too can leave a legacy gift to the University of York.
Alan Eynon, Heslington Circle member
Alan Eynon, Heslington Circle member
Alan and his wife Angela
Alan and his wife Angela
Alan graduated from the Department of Electronics in 1997
Alan graduated from the Department of Electronics in 1997
Alan and Angela at their October wedding, 1996
Alan and Angela at their October wedding, 1996
Catch up on YorkTalks
YorkTalks is an annual event which showcases the breadth and depth of the fascinating research underway at York. Academics introduced their research in a ten minute public-facing presentation about how they were challenging the most pressing global and social challenges.
My personal favourite talks were Health in Africa, To build or not to build? The ethics and politics of AI optimisation, and The Seahorse and the Cotton Bud. Although, there are a huge range of talks to explore:
YorkTalks gives you a snapshot of the world-leading research that your legacy gift could help support.
For more information and further stories, you can download our legacy brochure.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation on making your legacy, contact me either by phone or email: 01904321281 or +447385430928 mary.taylorlewis@york.ac.uk
Thank you.
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