André Samson is a professor of academic and career counselling and vice-dean of the Faculty of Education. For the University of Ottawa’s Development Office, he’s also a valuable partner who works actively to encourage others to be donors like him, in particular through planned giving. He himself has made provisions in his will for a generous legacy gift to the University of Ottawa.
When the depth of his commitment to the University is pointed out to him, he simply replies, “I’ve always gotten very involved, wherever I am.” For him, it’s clear that such commitment goes without saying.
“I find that we, as university professors, are very, very privileged,” he says. “It’s only natural that we also support this university that gives us so much as professors.”
Professor Samson is particularly passionate about the crucial role that the University of Ottawa plays and must play in training teachers and leaders in the Franco-Ontarian community.
“The University of Ottawa’s mission related to the Ontario francophonie is very close to my heart — I think it’s one of uOttawa’s most important missions,” he says. This led him to make a bequest in his will that will serve to create scholarships for francophone students at the Faculty of Education.
“As vice-dean, I'm responsible for administering all Faculty scholarships,” he says. “A $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship may not seem like a significant amount, but it makes all the difference in the life of the student receiving it.”
It pleases him knowing that his bequest will help young francophones pursue their education and find their place at the University of Ottawa and in society. He sees a legacy gift as a great way to make a lasting impact.
“I find that we, as university professors, are very, very privileged. It’s only natural that we also support this university that gives us so much as professors.”