Nancy and Jamie Fleming
By: Hannah Whale, (BA/21)
Giving Insight Spring 2022 Edition
When Jamie Fleming (1951-2018) (BA/77) graduated from Carleton University, he was grateful to finish the degree on his own schedule and with ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement. To show his appreciation, Jamie, along with his wife Nancy (BAHONS/75), wished to make a meaningful gift to their alma mater.
Jamie was a highly-involved student and successfully ran for the Community Programmes Commissioner position with the Carleton University Student Association (CUSA). He took a break from his full-time studies to work in the community, continuing as a part-time student to finish the degree.
“I would hope that our gift in some way can say thank you to Carleton for their “flexibility,” explained Jamie in an initial email to Carleton’s Planned Giving Team. “I believe that flexibility assisted me greatly in allowing me to obtain my degree and ultimately further my career.”
The Flemings and the Planned Giving Team worked together on the design of the Barrett-Fleming Community Involvement Award, an endowment fund that would be established by a gift in their will.
It was important to Jamie that community involvement would be at the heart of the award. “I would like our gift to somehow celebrate and inspire others to participate in student/social activities,” he noted.
Each year, one student will be recognized for their impact within the Carleton community and another celebrated for their involvement beyond the Carleton campus. The awards will be presented at the SOAR Leadership Conference, where hundreds of community members attend virtually and in-person. This public recognition will allow the award to become more familiar within the Carleton community with the goal of reaching as many deserving students as possible.
This type of endowed award was very unique when the Flemings began their planning in 2010, as most awards were usually provided based on financial need or academic merit. The emphasis on community involvement recognized the comprehensive student experience and was progressive for its time.
In 2021, Nancy decided that establishing the Barrett-Fleming Community Involvement Award during her lifetime would be a smart decision. “It will be meaningful to learn about the students that the award will impact and see their successes,” Nancy remarked.
Planning for the future was very important for the Flemings and Nancy is excited to see their well-crafted philanthropy in action. She is especially looking forward to the inaugural recipients being selected in the 2022-2023 academic year.