Andy Donovan and his three children
By Laura Byrne Paquet, BJ/87
“Carleton is responsible for who I am today,” says Andy Donovan, BA/88. “I virtually bleed red, black and white.” Andy’s love of Carleton is one of the many reasons he decided to further support a bursary in his parents’ name by arranging a donation in his will.
Andy was a shy student when he came to Carleton from Belleville in 1984. However, years in residence—culminating with a stint as the entertainment programmer for the Rideau River Residence Association—brought him out of his shell and enhanced his confidence. That experience also gave him the chance to meet many students who were given the chance to attend university due to the generosity of donors.
Like many families, his mother and father made sacrifices to send their kids through college and university, and Andy remembers the pride on his parents’ faces on his graduation day. Becoming a parent himself 10 years ago—of triplets—really illuminated that experience for him.
Like many families, his mother and father made sacrifices to send their kids through college and university, and Andy remembers the pride on his parents’ faces on his graduation day. Becoming a parent himself 10 years ago—of triplets—really illuminated that experience for him.
After the experience of arranging a charitable gift in his own will, Andy has some advice for people who may be similarly inspired to leave a legacy gift to Carleton. His number-one tip? Work closely with the planned giving team to ensure that the gift you want to leave meets your philanthropic goals and dovetails with the university’s needs. “Having access to bursaries and scholarships can really reduce the burden on students and allow them to focus on what they’re really there for—their studies,” he says.
Any student in need can apply for the bursary he is supporting. In structuring it, he gave Carleton as much flexibility as possible, so they could put the money where it was needed most.
He also advises donors to discuss their intended gift with their families, and to talk to a lawyer and a financial planner to make sure the donation is properly structured and is the best choice financially.
The subject can be uncomfortable, “Nobody really wants to talk about their mortality,” he concedes. “However, having the discussion about estate planning doesn’t mean you’ll be giving away your money tomorrow,” he adds with a chuckle. “I’m hoping that’s not going to take place for 30, 40 years.”