Leaving a Legacy

Legacy gifts play a key role in supporting students, research and the wider community at Strathclyde. In fact, we owe our very existence to our first legacy gift in 1796 – that of our founder, Professor John Anderson.

A Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow, he had a clear vision for ‘Anderson’s Institution’, a direct predecessor to the University of Strathclyde. It was the gift in his Will, alongside the detailed instructions as to how the institution should be structured (Anderson named 81 Trustees), that made this possible.

Aside from a selection of valuables and personal effects bequeathed to a relative, Anderson directed that the remainder of his property, of every sort, be directed “to the Public for the good of Mankind and the Improvement of Science” through the establishment of the Institution.

A Place of Useful Learning

At the first meeting of trustees and executors in March 1796, those present unanimously resolved to carry out Anderson’s wishes. His vision was bold but understood. His determination resonated with many in Glasgow and donations were quickly sought to supplement Anderson’s bequest and realise his dream of creating a “Place of Useful Learning”.

A legacy means so much more than the gift itself. It is an opportunity to inspire change, deliver progress and help those who follow in your footsteps. Gifts of any size can have a tremendous impact; Anderson’s bequest alone may not have been sufficient to fund the institution, but his vision for the future has been encouraging others to give for over two centuries and has propelled us to where we are today.