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September 30, 2020 - 1:00 PM
A Lillooet man who died last year unexpectedly left his entire fortune to Thompson River University.
“This was a significant gift the TRU Foundation had not anticipated,” Greg Garrish, TRU Foundation past president, said in a release. "Not only was it a surprise, but it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time."
James Bain passed away in 2019 and named the TRU Foundation as the sole beneficiary of his $350,000 fortune.
Bain didn't tell the university about the gift ahead of time, and just expressed his desire for his estate to fund bursaries for women in science.
The donation will fund at least 12 annual bursaries for students who demonstrate financial need in the Faculty of Science.
"If only Mr. Bain had known how profound his gesture would be," Garrish said. "We are honoured to establish this legacy in his name.”
The money will be invested and the Bain awards will be awarded to students for the first time starting in 2021.
“Women are doing great things in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics/computer science) but we are still underrepresented in these fields,” Catherine Tatarniuk, engineering and applied science professor said in a release.
“I believe grants, scholarships and awards specifically for women are the best way to guarantee more women pursue careers in STEM.”
Garrish said the TRU Foundation is grateful to Bain’s family and friends for helping the university understand how to honour his wishes.
Thompson Rivers University works closely with donors to establish meaningful ways to leave a legacy. For more information on donating to the university click here.
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