What can one gift do?

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It's a question that philanthropic donors often ask: what can one gift do?

Like many McMaster students, Sarah Dickin can tell donors first-hand just how much
one gift can do. As an undergraduate student, Dickin received a travel bursary that
allowed her to spend a year studying environmental science in France – an experience
she credits with inspiring her switch from biochemistry to geography and earth
sciences.

That switch led Dickin to undertake a research project mapping high-risk areas for
water-borne diseases. Her research is mostly focused on mapping disease in Asia and
Africa, but her work has implications for the way health risks like West Nile virus are
battled in Canada.

In July, when Prime Minister Stephen Harper came to McMaster to announce the winners
of the 2011 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Dickin was one of them. She is using
the scholarship – the country's most prestigious graduate award – to continue her PhD
work in the School of Geography & Earth Sciences, in conjunction with the United
Nations University Institute for Water, Environment & Health based at the McMaster
Innovation Park.

For Dickin, donor support provided a travel bursary that helped her begin a rewarding
research career. For other students, donor support can make tuition more affordable
through scholarships and bursaries. Gifts can help the library provide the latest
technology for learning or aid in the construction of state-of-the-art research facilities.

McMaster has more than 10,000 annual donors whose support helps to make innovative
teaching, learning and research possible. This week, the University celebrates McMaster
Philanthropy Week. It's a yearly opportunity to celebrate the fact that one gift can do so
much.