Meet our supporters
Behind every planned gift is a person with an incredible story. Read on to hear what inspired some of our alumni community to pledge a planned gift in their Will.
Sandra Lauder
(Modern Languages, 1961).
Sandra’s gift to the Exeter Forever Fund will support vital research into dementia, diabetes and marine plastics, as well as helping students across the University.
“To repay my debt to the University would be impossible, but by making my annual donation and the provision of a legacy in my Will, I hope to ensure that future generations can benefit as I have done.”
Rene Wyndham
(MA M Litt, 1977).
As a regular donor and legacy pledger, Rene’s support has a lasting impact on Exeter’s education.
“May each student who is lucky enough to gain a place at Exeter thrive and appreciate the teaching, surroundings, and care which are offered by this fine university.”
Chris Duffy
(Physics, 1985).
Thanks to a gift in Chris’ Will, disabled students will be able to access a support fund, helping them with facilities and access across our campuses.
“My desire to donate to disabled-related projects through legacy giving was shaped through gratitude to Exeter for my opportunities.”
John Crayston
(Physics, 1966).
Gifts in Wills such as John’s have a significant impact on future generations of students.
“The principal reason for including a gift in my Will is in recognition of the good friends that I made at Exeter.”
Melanie and Michael Fink
(BA Modern Languages, 1985 and Junior Year Abroad, 1982).
Melanie and Mike’s gift honours where they met as students.
“Exeter was the top choice for our legacy gift. Endowing a Humanities lecture series bringing together academics from Exeter and around the world ensures that future generations will benefit from the depth and richness of learning about the Humanities in a global world.”
David Bays
(Economic History, 1964).
David’s gift to the Exeter Forever Endowment Fund will continue to make an impact indefinitely.
“Looking back, Exeter opened a new world and leaving a legacy is a great way of giving something back so that new generations can be similarly inspired as I was.”
Sandra Lauder
(Modern Languages, 1961).
By pledging a legacy to the Exeter Forever Fund, Sandra’s gift will support vital research into dementia, diabetes and marine plastics, as well as helping students across the University.
“I came to Exeter in 1958, the first of my family to go to university. This would not have been possible without a substantial Local Authority grant and I am conscious that, without this help, I would never have enjoyed the advantages of further education. Attending Exeter University gave me a lifelong interest in foreign languages and literature, a wealth of memorable experiences, some long-standing friendships and the preparation for a satisfying career in teaching (which I continue to pursue as a volunteer support worker at the Royal National College for the Blind).
To repay my debt to the University would be impossible, but by making my annual donation and the provision of a legacy in my Will, I hope to ensure that future generations can benefit as I have done.”
Rene Wyndham
(MA M Litt, 1977).
As a regular donor and legacy pledger, Rene’s support has a lasting impact on Exeter’s education and research.
“The atmosphere at the University, the feeling of exploration and discovery, the stimulating lectures, the beautiful campus, and above all, the valuable discussions of ideas opened up horizons which gave me the feeling that anything in life is possible.
It was an enormous privilege to be both an undergraduate and postgraduate at Exeter and I continue to benefit to this day. May each student who is lucky enough to gain a place at Exeter thrive and appreciate the teaching, surroundings and care which are offered by this fine university.”
Chris Duffy
(Physics, 1985).
Thanks to a gift in Chris’ Will, disabled students will be able to access a support fund, helping them with facilities and access across our campuses.
“I’ll be forever grateful for my time at Exeter, both for the educational and life experiences. Life-long friendships were made and I revisit often. It was at Exeter that I had my first experience of disability and the associated challenges. Little did I know what was ahead. My daughter, Jenny, was born in 1994 with Cerebral Palsy. She has grown into a wonderful, independent young lady but every step – educational, therapeutic, or otherwise – has felt like a battle.
My desire to donate to disabled-related projects through legacy giving was shaped through gratitude to Exeter for my opportunities, and in some modest way, to improve the educational experience for future generations of disabled students.”
John Crayston
(Physics, 1966).
Gifts in Wills such as John’s have a significant impact on the student experience, enabling future generations of students. (to benefit)
“The principal reason for including a gift in my Will is in recognition of the good friends that I made at Exeter, with many of whom I am still in regular contact. This autumn, we have just celebrated our 60th anniversary of our starting at Exeter.”
David Bays
(Economic History, 1964).
David’s gift to the Exeter Forever Endowment Fund will support the future of the University, by being invested and only the gains and interest ever being spent, ensuring that the gift will continue to make an impact indefinitely.
“Looking back, Exeter opened a new world and leaving a legacy is a great way of giving something back so that new generations can be similarly inspired as I was.”
