Putting Students First

Charles Baillie (BA 1962 Trinity) and Marilyn Baillie (BA 1965 Trinity) have advocated for education for many years – Marilyn as an award-winning children’s author and editor, and Charles as two-time Chancellor of Queen’s University.

Last year, they approached Trinity College about creating a legacy. The result is a $1-million gift to establish the Marilyn and Charles Baillie Award, for Trinity students in need of financial support to complete their education.

“Marilyn and I believe deeply in the power of education to help people create their own success and to help build a stronger Canada,” says Charles. “We want to help ensure that every Trinity student has the same opportunity to access a first-rate education that we both had many years ago.”

Donations for bursaries have a profound impact. The first recipient of the Baillies’ support is a second-year student (who wishes to remain anonymous). Relieved of the pressure to cover her own education costs following a family illness, she describes the Baillies’ support as a blessing. “It has allowed me to continue to live in residence, stay involved on campus and focus on my studies. The Baillies are a wonderful example of giving back, and I’m so grateful.”

The Baillies’ endowment builds on Trinity’s proud history of alumni supporting the next generation of students in achieving their dreams, says Trinity Provost Mayo Moran. It will also help the college in an era of rising education costs and reduced government funding. By establishing the endowment, the Baillies are providing $40,000 every year for Trinity students in need.