Planned giving can look different at different stages of life — shaped by personal experience, practical needs, and the parts of Trinity that matter most to you. The stories that follow reflect three distinct paths, each grounded in care for the College and its future.
Marian (Little) Fowler ’51 (MA ’65, PhD ’70, U of T) was a lifelong member of the Trinity community — a St. Hilda’s alumna who remained closely connected through decades of friendship and service. In later years, she found a way to give back without compromising her retirement security by funding a charitable gift annuity, which provided steady income while directing support to students through Trinity’s General Bursaries Fund. She also included Trinity in her will, leaving a bequest that continues to support the College and the students who benefit from the close-knit community that shaped her own life.
Tom Gunn ’65 is combining lifetime giving with a planned gift to amplify what matters most to him. Shaped by personal experiences of loss, and by the importance of community support during his student years, Gunn directs his giving toward student mental health and wellness — helping to ensure that Trinity students have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.
For Melinda Jacobs ’12, legacy planning came earlier. A deeply engaged student leader and long-time monthly donor, Jacobs chose to include Trinity in her will as a way to support future students and sustain the community that became her home. By letting Trinity know of her plans, she also became a member of the Gerald Larkin Society — a group that recognizes alumni and friends who have included Trinity in their estate plans, and celebrates the lasting impact of legacy gifts on student life, learning, and the campus experience.
Creating your legacy at Trinity
Legacy gifts provide important flexibility, allowing Trinity to direct support where it is most needed over time — from student financial aid and wellness initiatives to academic programs and the care of our historic campus.
If you are considering a legacy gift, Trinity’s gift planning team can help you explore the best options for you and your loved ones. To learn more or speak with someone in confidence, please contact trinity.giving@utoronto.ca or call 416-978-4071
Suggested wording for your will:
I give to Trinity College, in the University of Toronto (BN 11926 9751 RR0001), presently located at 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto, ON ___% of the residue of my estate [or the sum of $_______] to be used by Trinity College for its general purposes.”
