McGill receives record-setting $200-million donation for graduate scholarships

Montreal’s McGill University has received what it says is the single largest donation in Canadian history in the form of a $200-million gift towards a graduate scholarship program.

McGill said Wednesday that the donation by John and Marcy McCall MacBain will be used to support up to 75 Canadian and international graduate scholars every year.

At an announcement at the school, John McCall MacBain said the students in the program will be given mentors, travelling opportunities and leadership training in addition to funding for their studies.

“We understand that scholarships must be about more than financial support, although that’s important as well,” he said.

“The McCall MacBain scholars will have access to a comprehensive graduate environment program at McGill, with mentorship, on and off campus activities, community development opportunities and an international experience.”

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The school said the criteria for selection would include civic engagement, academic excellence, leadership skills and exceptional character.

Marcy McCall MacBain added that the program would seek applicants with “a proven track record of reaching out” and taking on “tough but important” roles in their schools and communities.

McGill will begin taking applications for the scholarships in 2020, and the first recipients will begin their studies in 2021.

Guests at the announcement included Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, former governor general David Johnston and federal Justice Minister David Lametti, who read a letter of congratulations from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Lametti, who was a McGill law professor before entering politics, described the donation as a “transformational gift” that would allow students not only to attend McGill but also to “build those international connections and networks and be exposed to the kinds of thoughts and ideas that put you in a position … to be leaders and set the tone.”

John McCall MacBain, 61, is the founder of classified ad company Trader Classified Media, while his wife Marcy is an academic and researcher in the field of evidence-based medicine.

John McCall MacBain was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2016 for his philanthropy and support of educational initiatives.

Both John and Marcy McCall MacBain said Wednesday they were motivated to give back to the academic community after receiving scholarships and other support early in their careers.

The Canadian Press