Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1310962
7 GEORGIANVIEW FALL 2020 DIGITAL SUPPLEMENT Bill Stevenson, a 1974 graduate of Georgian's Interior Design program, has enjoyed a 46-year career as owner of Kingston-based Tall Pine Interiors, serving Eastern Ontario. Recently, he made a generous endowment donation to create scholarships in Georgian's interior design and decorating programs. We asked Bill about his successful career and reasons for giving back. PAYING IT FORWARD What do you remember about your time at Georgian? Well, it was a long time ago! I think there were three buildings on the Barrie Campus. I still have very fond memories. It was a small class, so it was more like being in a family. The staff were very, very caring and wanted to be sure you got the most of your time there. Tell us about your career? I started the company soon after college. My own design philosophy is it's my job to interpret what you want, not come in and do my thing in your home or office. We've done mostly residential because there you get to know people and create their dreams. People have hired us to go to their new locations as far away as Vancouver or Florida because of work we've done for them here. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your business? Initially of course we took time off, but now it's fairly busy. Phone calls are coming in saying, "Bill I can't travel, how about we update the house." I must love my work because I'm past retirement age and still enjoy the work and the people we deal with. I say yes because I don't want to let down people who have supported us over the years. You've made a very generous donation through the establishment of a scholarship endowment fund. Why? When my wife passed away, we donated to the college my son attended, and I started thinking it would be a nice idea to support my college as well. I believe if we're successful we have to pay it forward. And I wouldn't be as successful as I am without the education I received. I hope this endowment will help a number of students with smaller donations, and as it grows help more people or give larger scholarships allowing them to get an education and some help to further their future. What would you say to other alumni about giving to Georgian? I was a bit shy about doing this interview but that's why I agreed, to help encourage others to consider a contribution. I would encourage all alumni who have the means to speak with the Advancement department. They made it easy to. There are different levels of scholarship giving and somewhere in there a graduate can make a difference. It's easier than you think to donate and pay it forward. YOUR LEGACY BEGINS HERE. Donate today.