Celebrating Women in Philanthropy

Wanda Fawcett, alumna Speaker at the Women in Philanthropy Event

It was a wonderful experience to see students, alumni and supporters of the University of Alberta at our Women in Philanthropy event in June. We are grateful to all of our panelists for sharing their stories. And most thankful to everyone who joined us in person or virtually.

It was inspiring to hear from dedicated and hardworking students. They told their stories of the challenges they’ve overcome to get to where they are today.

We also celebrated the powerful role that women play in philanthropy.

Our speakers generously shared stories of how alumni and supporters make a difference for U of A students.

Alumni like Jody Peck, and her husband Ken. They created an endowment now and have included a bequest in their Wills to support current and future students in the Faculty of Education and the Alberta School of Business.

They both came from rural roots and want to help students attending the U of A from rural Alberta. Jody reflected on the heartwarming experience she had when meeting six students who benefitted from their endowment. She heard how their gift allows these students to reduce their part-time job hours to focus on their studies. This improves mental health and gives students more time to join clubs and activities on campus – a key benefit of a university degree.

Another alumni speaker was Wanda Fawcett, Barrister and Solicitor at Bishop & McKenzie LLP. She believes strongly in giving back to her community. She learned this value through her mother, a lifelong volunteer. Today, Wanda shares this value with her children through volunteerism and donating to non-profits. She and her husband have left a gift to the U of A’s Faculty of Arts in their Wills.

Wanda encourages her clients to make philanthropy part of their estate plans. She advises them on how to support their children while also supporting the causes that strengthen our communities. And of course, she shares the many estate tax-saving benefits of leaving gifts to charities in a Will.

If you couldn’t join us in June, you can view the recording of the event. We hope you enjoy hearing the uplifting stories from women at the U of A who are breaking down barriers, solving problems and helping students seek their purpose.