[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/giving_brunch.jpg” caption=”(L to R) John & Suzanne Robertson, Dr. John Panabaker, John Shea and University Advancement Director, Lorna Somers Photo credit: Richard Bain”]An annual luncheon was held recently to recognize members of the William McMaster and Susan Moulton McMaster Society. The atrium of the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery was packed with friendly faces as President Peter George celebrated the generosity of the many dedicated donors and friends who have chosen to support the University. This particular group of donors has decided to contribute to the University through charitable bequests or other future gift arrangements, thereby positively shaping the future of McMaster. Bequests offer a wonderful opportunity to 'give back' to the University, create a lasting legacy and to help future generations of McMaster students.

Charitable bequests continue to be one of the most popular methods of planned giving to McMaster. A bequest is a direction by will to transfer property to specific beneficiaries. This property can consist of cash, securities, real estate and other assets of value. When structured carefully, a charitable bequest can also offer significant tax relief to a donor's estate and often provide a more sizeable gift than that which a donor could comfortably afford during his or her lifetime. Bequests can be designated to establish an endowment for a research chair, scholarship, award or bursary. In many cases, these funds bear the name of the donor, forever preserving their link to McMaster.

Held in honour of numerous alumni and friends of the University who have chosen to support McMaster in this manner, the brunch included a special address from President Peter George. George offered an 'update' on the achievements and recent developments at the University including the upcoming opening of the new Athletics and Recreation Centre & Stadium, the development of the Camco site into a unique research and innovation park, and the creation of a new campus in Burlington. George also mentioned the plan to establish new satellite Michael G. DeGroote Medical School campuses in Niagara and Waterloo/Wellington.

George also expressed pride in the accomplishments of McMaster's students. “In fact, I am continually impressed with the caliber of students here at McMaster. For instance, our MBA and commerce students from the DeGroote School of Business scored amongst the highest in North America in a recent Major Field Test,” said George. “Undergraduate commerce students scored in the 95th percentile in North America while the MBA students scored in the 90th percentile. This is the school's highest score to date.

“In addition, the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation awarded two of our engineering students the gold medal for Education for graduating with the highest cumulative average.”

He went on to describe the new Senior Class Gift program, launched this spring by graduating classes. In honour of their final year at McMaster, many students made a financial gift to the University.

Established in 1997, the William McMaster and Susan Moulton McMaster Society was named for the founding benefactor, who bequeathed $900,000 to the University in his will. The society boasts over 500 members. The McMasters' vision built this institution, which has come to be known internationally as a leading-edge, research-intensive University which fosters a culture of innovation, and a commitment to discovery and learning in teaching, research and scholarship.

More information on planned giving can be obtained from www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/giving/ or call (905) 525-9140 ext. 23447 or 26505.