An example for all alumni, St. Michaels University School (Victoria BC, Canada) Alumnus Hugh McGillivray has thus far donated $1.4-million and:

“hopes to fund as many as 100 scholarships within 10 years. He’s also trying to raise money to build a $50-million endowment at the school.” (Boarding School Grad Gives Back to His Alma Mater, CTV)

McGillivray is moved to such support by the fond memories of his St. Michaels years and his experience of having stayed in a former English boarding school that, after shutting down, became a Four Seasons hotel.

He is determined not to see such a fate befall his alma mater. McGillivray remarks, such a fate:

“could happen to any school including [St. Michaels] if you don’t have endowments…You’ve got beautiful buildings and they are going to get sold for real estate.” (CTV)

A 1964 St. Michaels graduate, McGillivray’s school experiences never left him. Speaking to CTV, McGillivray explained “I had an amazing experience there.” (CTV)

He hopes to encourage more donors to set up other scholarships so they can bridge “‘the big disconnect between the people who have money and the smart kids whose parents have none.’” (CTV)

McGillivray’s argument is simple. “The kids are worth it.” (CTV)

Each alumnus may not be able to provide the level of support such as McGillivray’s, but it is incumbent on each alumnus to support and solidify the mission and values of one’s alma mater for future generations.