“My actions are my only true belongings”
Thich Nhat Hanh, 1926-2022
Introduction
This quote from the late peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh, is fitting to open this edition of the legacy newsletter. When someone passes away it is their belongings and estate which are then distributed, and their legacies can create actions which continue. Legacy gifts have the ability to create more opportunities as they inspire and support others to take action. A legacy to the University of York inspires action in students to break barriers and exceed personal goals. Legacies can also support the actions of researchers working to give back to the local, national and global community.
“My actions are my only true belongings” also resonates because of the conflict across the world today. For many, it is a necessity not a choice that actions are their only belongings, as they have left homes and cherished belongings behind whilst fleeing conflict. This newsletter looks at how the University of York is responding to the crisis through the actions that we are taking today. The University has its own legacy to live up to, we have the dual status of being a University for sanctuary in York, a city for sanctuary.
Leaving a Legacy of Hope - Professor Kiran Trehan
“Today, more than ever, I am struck by the poignant words of Nelson Mandela:"
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
"Our new strategy is focussed on building a community without limits, which is inspired by our commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter what their background or where they are from, will have equality of opportunity.
Over the last twelve months, I have been inspired by the support, dedication, and passion of our community to make a measurable difference in addressing the inequalities in education and beyond. Our shared and collective sense of purpose has been a powerful catalyst for nurturing the all-important pipeline of future diverse leaders, who will continue to level-up the field of opportunity. This is very much to the fore as we think about how a university that cherishes excellence – in our students, teachers, researchers, and leaders – must also open the doors of opportunity as wide as possible for others.
Your contribution and gift will transform lives and ensure the leaders of tomorrow are bolder, are diverse and go on to create a better world. A gift in your will is not simply an act of kindness, it provides a legacy of hope, and lays the foundations that will lead to the creation of equality of opportunity for future generations to come and change their lives.”
Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement
Kiran Trehan
Kiran Trehan
A University of Sanctuary
City of Sanctuary
In 2020, the University of York was awarded the “University of Sanctuary” in recognition of its sector-leading effort to increase access for refugee and asylum seekers. The award recognises the efforts of York's students and staff to welcome forced migrants into the community and promote a culture of inclusion.
Equal Access Scholarship
One of the reasons York received this award was because of the Equal Access Scholarship. The Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni launched the Equal Access Scholarship in 2016 to enable students seeking asylum to access a York education. The alumni community are working alongside the University as each scholarship provides an annual living cost of £12,300 funded by donations which is then matched by the University with a full fee waiver. We are opening up opportunities for all, together.
Recently, this Access Scholarship has provided emergency assistance for 10 prospective students affected by the Russia-Ukraine crisis and, earlier this year, it supported 6 students fleeing Afghanistan. This support included the full scholarship and fee waiver, in addition to travel, welcome packages, and accommodation needs. One Afghan scholar described the life-changing impact of the scholarship:
“With the sudden fall of the international community-backed government in Afghanistan, I lost my job and the savings that I secured in the bank for my family's needs and to invest in my education in the future. This scholarship ensured my survival as my life was completely in danger back in Afghanistan.”
The decision of where to leave your legacy is an important one and should go to a charity you trust. The University of York is committed to creating opportunities for all. Our actions today speak for our continued commitment in the future. These opportunities, like the Equal Access Scholarship, rely on the actions of our community. A gift in your will can make sure the support we offer never runs out.
Equal Access Scholars Mithila and Uchenna (Top), Rinolsa and Butshilo (Middle) and Maryam (Bottom)
Equal Access Scholars Mithila and Uchenna (Top), Rinolsa and Butshilo (Middle) and Maryam (Bottom)
Write your will today
Recent research has revealed that almost half (47%) of the British population who currently have a will, haven’t updated it for over five years. This means that half of all wills in the UK are likely to be out of date. Legal professionals recommend that your will is reviewed and updated every five years, or when a major change occurs that could impact you or your loved ones.
It is essential to have a well drafted will to ensure your wishes are carried out correctly. In fact, last year one in ten families were caught out by a “bad will” (an out of date or badly drafted will) which makes estate management difficult.
The University of York has partnered with solicitors Dunham McCarthy and can offer all University of York alumni and their partners the option to write a will for free.
Sculpture spotlight
There are many beautiful sites and corners on the University campus, including a wonderful range of sculptures. For example, the Buddha statue on Campus West.
The Buddha is in a seated meditating position, also called Dhyana, on top of a lotus flower -the symbol for enlightenment. The statue is a gentle reminder of greater values in a stressful academic climate. It was donated by Mrs Elizabeth Cooper from John Bowes Morrell collection in 1983.
As any student will know, Morrell is a key figure in the establishment of the University of York and the first wing of the library is named for him. He was also Lord Mayor of York (1914-15) (1949-50), further strengthening the University’s ties to the city.
The Buddha is seated in a wooded area, full of drifting sunlight, spring flowers and birdsong - a tranquil spot to relax and reflect.
Buddha in Lotus Position (Bronze, 19th Century)
Buddha in Lotus Position (Bronze, 19th Century)
John Bowes Morrell
John Bowes Morrell
Heslington Circle story - Kitty Corrigan
The University of York is incredibly thankful to its Heslington Circle, those who have let us know they have pledged a gift in their will.
The Heslington Circle has reached over 200 members in the past year. This is an incredible milestone and is a testament to the generosity of the alumni and friends of the University of York.
Kitty Corrigan (English and Related Literature, Class of 1975), is a celebrated writer, editor and Green consultant. Her writing in Country Living Magazine was shortlisted for the Wales Media Awards in 2020. Kitty has included a gift in her will to support students studying at the University of York, and is a member of our Heslington Circle. Below she describes her motivations behind leaving her legacy.
“We didn’t have computers, internet, mobile phones. Essays were written in longhand. I bought my first typewriter, an Imperial, for £10 secondhand from a student who needed the money to get married. But in many ways it feels like yesterday and we managed to work hard and play hard. I think I allowed myself £6 a week to live on; sometimes I had only 50p left at the weekend to buy meals in the canteen. But education was free and I left without an overdraft and no need to look for a job right away, as there were plenty out there. Instead, I went travelling and didn’t start working until Feb 1977, as an editorial assistant at D C Thomson in Fleet Street.
I am leaving a legacy in my will to help students whose lives are so very different now.”
(Top) Kitty outside her second-year student house, 62 Frances Street ‘73-4. (Bottom) Derwent Bar, June ’75.
(Top) Kitty outside her second-year student house, 62 Frances Street ‘73-4. (Bottom) Derwent Bar, June ’75.
(Top) Kitty (first on left) and her friends outside Derwent '72-5. Her friend Marianne is in the middle. (Bottom) Marianne and Kitty in later life
(Top) Kitty (first on left) and her friends outside Derwent '72-5. Her friend Marianne is in the middle. (Bottom) Marianne and Kitty in later life
Kitty Corrigan today
Kitty Corrigan today
Thank you for reading
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the legacy newsletter. The University of York has grown enormously over the last sixty years. In the early days back in the 60s, there were just a few buildings around Heslington Hall, and now there are campuses across the city, and global links. During this expansion, the University has not forgotten the core actions of its foundations set out by its founders: creating opportunities for all. Becoming a University for Sanctuary and providing Equal Access Scholarships are only possible because of the University’s growth. The future of York is full of possibility, and you can be part of this future by pledging a gift in your will.
For further information on leaving your legacy to York, you can download our legacy brochure.
To discuss anything in this newsletter further, please contact the Legacies Officer, Mary Taylor Lewis. mary.taylorlewis@york.ac.uk
Built with Shorthand