Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1469950
30 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022 LEGACy GIVING When Doug Crawford inherited some money, rather than buying a new car or taking an overseas vacation, he decided to make a difference in the lives of future students by creating a legacy gift to Georgian College. "Over a decade ago, when my mom passed away, and my dad had passed away earlier, I inherited some money and my wife and I thought seriously about where the money should go," says Doug, Visual Media and Communications Specialist at Georgian College. "We knew from life experience that education was important to us. My grandmothers were highly educated – one held a Masters of Pedagogy (in Education) while the other was a nurse. They passed on their love of learning to our family. After World War II, postsecondary education was not available for my parents, but they always stressed that you need a good education to get a good job, whether it be in the trades or becoming a scientist." Before joining the Georgian team 14 years ago, Doug worked for various TV stations and newspapers. "This is the place that gave me the opportunity to start a new career when my former career was sunsetting," he explains. "I have made the Barrie area my home since 1993 and it feels great to give back to the community which supported me. My job is great. I am out meeting students and get to admire how brilliant they are. They have a plan to make their future happen. By creating a legacy fund, my wife and I feel great knowing that we can help future generations of students excel and realize their own dreams." Thanks in part to donor support, more than 90,000 students have graduated from Georgian College since it was first established in 1967. Each year, more than $3 million is made available to students in the form of bursaries, awards and scholarships that are vital to student success. Whether students are entering college right out of high school, are in their last year of study, or have returned to school for a second career, the benefits of financial assistance create new opportunities for all types of learners. But with students enrolled in more than 130 academic programs across seven campuses, the need far outweighs the means. Love for education runs in the family | Former media photographer Doug has been with Georgian for 14 years and says it feels great to support future generations of students.