“I'm very proud of the fact that I can do this. So is my family.”

When Lynne Mansell, ’68 BSc(Pharm), ’80 MHSA, and her late husband Roland Mansell, ’70 BSc(ChemEng), met with their lawyer to update their Wills, she asked the couple if they wanted to leave any bequests.

“We immediately thought of the University of Alberta because it offered both of us so many amazing opportunities in our careers,” shares Lynne who knows firsthand the impact a scholarship can have on a student. “I was only able to go to university because of scholarships and the help of my parents.” 

Lynne recognizes the challenges students face these days, “I think it's hard for students. Costs have risen significantly. They can really use our help.”

Her legacy gift towards the U of A’s Shape the Future campaign will help students in the School of Public Health. And thanks to Roland’s gift, engineering students are receiving the support they need to achieve their academic goals.      

“When my husband passed away two years ago, the whole family was very proud of the fact that he made this bequest. Both of us really appreciate what the university did for us, and we wanted to make it a little more possible for others.”

Lynne grew up in a small town in rural Alberta and was the only student in her graduating class of 12 to go to university. “It was quite an adventure. I went off to live in residence at the age of 17 and a year later I met my husband at an event on campus.”

After graduation, the couple went on to pursue vibrant careers and have two children. Lynne eventually returned for her Master of Health Services Administration. “It was a thrill because the program was so new. We had students from across the country with different backgrounds. We learned a lot from each other and formed lifelong friendships.”

In addition to her legacy gift, Lynne contributes annually towards an award in honour of Carl Meilicke, founder of the Master of Health Services Administration program.

Lynne is passionate about the program, “I personally think we need public health more than ever in this world of misinformation and disinformation and lack of trust,” she says. She’s confident that the students she’s supporting now and into the future will help solve the public health challenges of our time.

Like the Mansells, you probably have a special U of A area that is meaningful to you. If their act of kindness inspires you to want to do more, please contact the U of A’s Office of Major Gifts & Planned Giving team. They are here to help and answer any questions you might have on estate planning resources and tax-smart approaches for greater impact.