Established in 2009, the 1857 Society honours individuals who indicate they are making a gift of education to Albert College in their will or by other deferred giving. When you include Albert College in your will, you are using your will power to help the College stay at the forefront of independent education. Give the gift of education and share your legacy with generations of students to come by joining the 1857 Society at Albert College.

1857 Society Benefits

• Special event invitations and communications.
• Mailed copy of the Head of School quarterly report.
• Invitation to an annual 1857 Society reception at the Head of School’s home.
• Recognition on the 1857 Society donor plaque and Wall of Distinction located in the front rotunda.
• Acknowledgement in Albertalks annual donor list.
• Satisfaction of helping to ensure the continued success of Albert and its students from around the world.

A future gift may be made in a variety of ways including life insurance, bequest, retirement plan, a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity. There are a number of charitable giving options - options that suit you and your family’s needs now and in the future and help you plan a gift of education.

How a Thought Grows John S. Middleton '49
John Middleton '49 and his late wife, Audrey Middleton '83, with daughter, Andrea (center) in June, 1984.	“I met Audrey A. MacDonald in 1948 when we both attended Albert College. Audrey was taking commerce and I was in grade 13. We were married in 1955 and our daughter, Andrea, was born in 1964. It was a forgone conclusion that she would eventually attend Albert College. Andrea began her time at Albert in the fall of 1979, and in June 1980, Audrey was present at Albert to enjoy seeing Andrea receive six school awards including a memorial prize. At this time a thought was born! When Audrey became a member of the ladies guild, now known as the Parent Guild, the idea of a bursary was formed. Audrey passed away in 2003 and through a bequest to the College she established the “Audrey Middleton ’49 Bursary” Since the establishment of the bursary in 2004, four Albert students have benefited from her original thought. I have decided to keep Audrey’s thought alive and have included in my will a percentage of my estate as an addition to the “Audrey Middleton ’49 Bursary”. Who knows, maybe Andrea will continue the legacy. Yes, a thought can grow!”   - John S. Middleton ’49
Good Teachers Live on Through Their Students James (Jim) Thorn '58
James (Jim) Thorn '58 (right) with his wife, Elsie.	"Elsie and I decided to include Albert College in our will as a way to give back to the school and help other students experience Albert as I did. Albert and its teachers had a tremendous influence on my life, changed the way I looked at the world and broadened my horizons. Also, through our bequest I am able to pay tribute to my former teacher and mentor, Bert Simpson. It was Bert's philosophy, attitude and nourishment that had a profound effect on me. Through our annual fund giving and our legacy gift to the school, we will create an endowed bursary fund in Bert's name. Elsie and I both enjoyed a career in education and we are delighted that our legacy will make it possible for future generations of students to learn and grow at Albert.””   - James (Jim) Thorn ’58

Bequest by Will

A charitable gift in a will, whether large or small, is a wonderful way to provide continuing support for Albert College. Your gift made by bequest can be for a specific amount, a percentage or a number of shares of your estate. Your estate receives a tax receipt from Albert College for the value of your bequest to help reduce income tax otherwise payable.

Your gift will be preserved as it is the school’s policy that any undesignated bequest will be added to our Endowment Fund.  The Endowment Fund is managed by an independent financial organization and is overseen according to the investment policies set by the Board of Governors. Currently the Endowment Fund provides scholarships and bursaries to 1 in 5 students. A named endowed fund may be established with a gift of $25,000 or more. Of course, you may choose to restrict your bequest to a specific area of interest and this may be arranged through the Development Office.

For more information about one or more of the above deferred gift giving options, please contact alumni@albertcollege.ca or (613) 968-5726.