Osgoode Hall Law School recently welcomed back alumnus Dionysios “Dennis” Apostolides (LLB ’83) and his wife, Sophia Voumvakis, for a campus visit marked by reflection, gratitude, and a shared commitment to expanding access to legal education.  

Dennis arrived in Canada from Greece with a dream of becoming a lawyer. During his time at Osgoode, bursaries and financial support made it possible for him to complete his legal education and go on to build a successful career in family law — an experience that continues to shape his enduring connection to the School. 

Today, Dennis and Sophia are helping ensure that similar opportunities remain available for future students. Through a future bequest gift in their Will and the establishment of a bursary in Dennis’ name, they are supporting law students who demonstrate financial need, particularly those with an interest in Family or Indigenous Law. 

During their visit, Dennis and Sophia met with Dean Trevor Farrow and toured the campus, reflecting on how much has changed over the decades — and how much remains grounded in Osgoode’s longstanding commitment to access, excellence, and community.  

They were also formally welcomed into the Thomas Brown Phillips Stewart Society, which recognizes individuals who have made legacy commitments in support of Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Osgoode extends its sincere appreciation to Dennis and Sophia for their generosity and vision. Their support will have a lasting impact, helping future students pursue their legal education and make meaningful contributions to the profession. 

The post A return to Osgoode after 43 years   appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Priti Sesha (MBA ’96) knows firsthand the transformative impact of education. 

Her decision to pursue an MBA at Schulich marked a turning point in her life, opening doors to new possibilities and shaping both her career and perspective on the world. 

Living on campus allowed Priti to immerse herself in the vibrant Schulich community. Surrounded by classmates from a wide range of cultures, industries, and life experiences, she was challenged to think differently and see the world through a new lens. The experience allowed her to foster a deeper appreciation for diverse points of view, and helped shape the way she approaches leadership, decision-making, and collaboration.  

It wasn't until years after earning her degree that Priti fully appreciated the life-changing impact of financial aid. During a professional development course, she met a young man whose life had been disrupted by conflict. Forced to leave his family and live in a refugee camp, he nevertheless held fast to his dream of attending university. A full scholarship eventually made that dream possible and changed the course of his life. 

His story reinforced a simple but profound truth: financial support can do far more than fund an education. It can unlock potential and ensure that talented, determined students are not held back by financial barriers. 

Priti's gratitude for her Schulich experience inspires her commitment to giving back. By leaving a gift in her will to Schulich, she is helping create opportunities for future students, empowering the next generation of leaders to pursue their ambitions and realize their potential. 

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Imagine you won $1M in the lottery. What would you do with your winnings? Pay down the mortgage? Take a five-star vacation? Set money aside for your parents, your kids, and your retirement? I bet you’d set money aside for charity too - maybe to fund a scholarship or advance lifesaving research? 

Most of us don’t have an extra $1M sitting around. So, we assume this type of philanthropy is reserved only for the wealthy. Yet some of the biggest donations in Canada come from everyday people. Not because they won the lottery, but because they included a gift in their will. 

The impact you didn’t know you could make 

The average Canadian estate is worth around $1 million—and often much more in larger cities. That means that, one day, most of us will make a decision about how that money is distributed. 

Naturally, we think about family and loved ones first. But what if you set aside just a small percentage for a cause that's helped shape your life? Even 1% can add up to far more than most people expect, while still leaving 99% to the people you love. 

I lead Will Power, a national public awareness campaign that's helping Canadians think differently about charitable giving. One of our most popular tools is the , which lets you see what even 1% of your estate could become for charity. There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing what's possible, when you realize that you can make the kind of contribution that changes someone’s life and it’s totally within reach.   

The rise of gifts in wills 

Until recently, gifts in wills were thought of being something only very wealthy people could do. But that’s changing. In the last five years, the number of Canadians who've included a charitable gift in their will has doubled. Today, nearly one in two Canadians says they're considering this for their will. 

It’s not just retirees either. In fact, millennials are now more likely than boomers to have left a gift in their will. 91��ɫ U alumnus Tyler Ward is one of them. 

Why the change? 

In the face of growing social and environmental challenges, people are feeling an urgency to make a difference. At the same time, rising living costs have made it harder to give back as much as they’d like.  

People are getting savvy about how they give. They're using tools like their will, RRSPs and life insurance policy to extend their giving, often reducing taxes at the same time. 

For future you 

One day, you’ll be speaking to your lawyer about your will and they’ll ask a simple question: "Who would you like to include in your will?"  

I hope this article comes back to mind…and the 1%.  Few decisions have the power to make such a lasting difference. 

Laurie Fox (MBA ’12 Schulich) is the Director of Will Power, a public awareness campaign inspiring Canadians to think differently about their charitable giving. Laurie has worked in the non-profit sector for over two decades and seen the need in our communities rise. But she has also seen first-hand how ordinary Canadians have made a truly extraordinary impact just by leaving 1% of their estate to a cause they care about. 

Laurie is on a mission to show all Canadians the power they have to change the world simply by giving in a different way. You can learn more about Will Power, and use the free tools and resources on offer at .

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When Ann Ball (BA '88, BA '10) reflects on her years at 91��ɫ, she remembers an environment alive with thought, debate and possibility. “My overall memory of 91��ɫ is being among students from diverse backgrounds and sensibilities while being instructed by encouraging, creative professors and teaching assistants,” Ann says.  

Decades later, those same values continue to guide her decision to leave a legacy gift supporting the George C. Comninel Bursary for the Study of Political Theory in Social and Political Context, honouring the life and work of her late husband, renowned political theorist and 91��ɫ professor George Comninel (MA ’78, PhD ’84).  

Ann's own intellectual journey would eventually intersect with George's in a memorable way. When they met on a midnight train travelling from Paris to Barcelona in the early 1970s, neither could have imagined where life would take them. Ann, a Torontonian, and George, a New 91��ɫer, would go on to build a life together in Toronto, united by a shared passion for ideas and community.  

For 30 years, he worked exuberantly with waves of students and greatly enjoyed learning that his subversive stories about the ancients, Machiavelli, Marx and revolutions were appreciated. His commitment extended beyond the classroom. George believed deeply in contributing to the university community and public life. Service was the vehicle through which he felt he could make a difference.  

For Ann, supporting the bursary is a natural extension of George's life's work. Throughout his academic career, he championed students and understood firsthand the barriers many face in pursuing higher education. “I cannot think of an act more fitting for an academic who is privileged to be in this profession than to support those students who otherwise might not have the means,” she says. “In these political and economic times, with deep and unprecedented cuts to access to education, bursaries can truly make a difference.”  

Established in memory of a husband and mentor who believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the bursary helps ensure that future students studying political thought can access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.  

While George would have been honoured by the support the bursary provides, Ann believes his greatest wish was far simpler. “Really, honestly, just being kind, warm and generous with yourselves and with one another in this tough world would have been plenty for him.”  

That spirit of generosity now lives on through the George C. Comninel Bursary, helping future generations of 91��ɫ students pursue their studies and carry forward the values that shaped George's life. 

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As you embark on a new year filled with possibilities, consider prioritizing resolutions that ensure lasting financial security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Take these proactive steps in wealth and estate planning to safeguard your legacy and make certain that your wishes are honoured: 

Make a Will or Update your Current Will 

Assets: Provide a comprehensive inventory of your assets, including real estate, investments, and personal property. 

Beneficiaries: Clearly outline who will inherit your assets, as well as the proportionate share of your overall Estate. If you have family heirlooms or items of sentimental nature, consider whether to write these into your will, or have a separate letter of wishes for personal effects. 

Children, Pets & Guardians: The birth of a child, in particular a first child or grandchild, likely warrants a new will.  For parents of minor children, and pet owners, appoint guardians who will provide care and support in your absence. Also consider setting up a trust to hold any interest in the Estate for such child or children until they reach an appropriate age. 

Marital status change: Marriage, separation and divorce, as well as beginning or ending a common law relationship, are also important reasons to revisit your will. 

Executor: Choose a reliable and appropriate executor and name an alternate executor to oversee the distribution of your assets in accordance with your wishes. Make sure your executor knows where to find your will and assets. 

Charitable Donations: If philanthropy is close to your heart, include provisions for charitable donations in your will.

Powers of Attorney

POA for Personal Care: Appoint an individual responsible for making determinations regarding your healthcare, nutrition, living arrangements, clothing, hygiene, and safety in the event you lack the capacity to make these decisions independently. 

POA for Property: Appoint an individual to manage your financial affairs, covering everything from bill payments and managing debt to handling investments and property transactions in the event you lack the capacity to make these decisions independently.  

Managing Assets Outside of your Will (Not Included in your Estate)

Life Insurance: Review and update life insurance policies to align with your current financial situation and protect your loved ones. Designate beneficiaries to ensure the life insurance proceeds can be distributed without the need for Probate. 

TFSA and RRSPs: Strategically manage Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to maximize tax advantages and review the designated beneficiaries.  

Joint Accounts: With a joint bank account comes the right of survivorship. This means that when one of the account owners passes away, the surviving owner will take full ownership of the account. In theory, the bank account will not form part of the deceased’s estate since the surviving owner has full legal title to the account through the right of survivorship.  

Joint Tenancy: A joint tenancy creates a right of survivorship, which means that if one party dies, their interest is automatically transferred to the surviving tenant(s). 

If you have more than one adult child, and only name one of them jointly on your accounts or other assets like properties, be mindful of how this may impact the distribution of your estate and its potential consequences on family dynamics. If you are a business owner, own multiple properties, or if you are in a second marriage with children from previous marriages, speak to a Wills & Estates Law professional who will help guide you with your specific needs. By taking these proactive steps and deliberate measures, you can be confident that your loved ones will be well-provided for in the future. 

Kelli Preston graduated from Osgoode Hall with an L.L.B. in 2002. Kelli is currently a partner at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and manages the Whitby and Haliburton offices. Kelli’s litigation practice areas include, real estate and mortgage, estate litigation, bankruptcy, securities litigation, professional negligence, and general corporate/commercial litigation. She also assists her clients with residential and commercial real estate, mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, franchising, and corporate matters.

The post New Year’s Resolutions for Wealth and Estate Planning   appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

When asked what inspired him to leave a future legacy gift for 91��ɫ, Tyler Ward (BA ’10, MA ’19) explains, “It’s not about leaving a legacy, it’s about enriching future generations. For me, it’s not just something to do, but it’s a personal mission.”

That mission was shaped early in life through his exposure to the realities of inequity in under‑resourced communities and among populations facing systemic barriers. Tyler’s father was a high school teacher, and his mother was a public health nurse. For as long as he can remember, dinner table conversations centered on social justice, poverty, and inequity.

Tyler’s first foray into social justice advocacy came in high school. At 16, he began working in tobacco control with an emphasis on educating youth on the practices the tobacco industry uses to addict young people.

With a fire in his belly for systems change, Tyler began his post-secondary career. He initially enrolled at the University of Toronto but soon transferred to 91��ɫ. For Tyler, it was love at first sight. 91��ɫ’s deep connection to social justice, in both its culture and curriculum, and its intersectional approach to health equity resonated deeply with him, and he immersed himself into the social determinants of health and health policy. It was also 91��ɫ’s diverse student and faculty community that drew him in.

During his undergrad, Tyler studied under Prof. Dennis Raphael, a professor of Health Policy and Management who he credits with introducing him to courses such as Social Determinants of Health and Poverty and Inequality. Tyler returned to 91��ɫ for a master’s degree under Prof. Raphael’s supervision and the two developed a long-lasting working relationship that spanned over a decade.

After completing his time at 91��ɫ, Tyler pursued a law degree. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to professional roles that inform public health policy, sustainability and community engagement. Today, Tyler and his wife support dozens of charities in their wills and life insurance, including Daily Bread, Sunnybrook Hospital, Indspire, and, of course, 91��ɫ. He emphasizes that philanthropy is not just for the wealthy, and hopes his gift inspires others, especially millennials, to leave a legacy gift as well.

With a mission and core values strongly aligned to his own, Tyler is leaving a legacy gift for 91��ɫ. He believes that it is important to increase access for equity-deserving groups who face barriers to higher education, especially at institutions like 91��ɫ, which empower students to think critically about the issues of today and make change. After all, Tyler shares the common worldview that “Education is one of the fundamental bedrocks for a flourishing democracy.”

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Sunnuz Sarah Taheri was a vibrant, charming young artist who expressed her passions through singing, poetry, painting and other visual arts. She took an active role in furthering women’s rights, protecting the environment, politics, philosophy, her community and society, and the plight of the poor. 

Taheri completed a BA in English at 91��ɫ in 2005, although she loved her vocal jazz courses and singing classical, blues, soul and hip hop most of all. She hoped to study opera singing at Juilliard one day. Yet in 2013, at age 32, she died unexpectedly. 

“Her death was tragic, and the greatest shock our family ever endured,” says her uncle, Farrokh Eshragi. 

“The idea of creating a 91��ɫ music scholarship in Sunnuz’s name came to us within a day or two after her passing. It was like lighting a small candle in the middle of the darkness that had befallen our family. We were inspired by the idea of keeping her spirit alive in this way; allowing what she might have enjoyed to continue on through others. 

“Everyone in our family plus our friends and colleagues wanted to make it happen,” explains Eshragi. Through personal donations and a fundraising concert, $100,000 was raised, then doubled by a 2014 Graduate Studies Award Program. 91��ɫ endowed the funds to create the Sunnuz Sarah Taheri Graduate Award. 

“This annual $5,000 award will help relieve some of the financial burden for outstanding students in the graduate fine arts program,” said Eshragi. “We hope this scholarship will help the students to dedicate more of their time to their work and feel less of the obstacles and difficulties that they might otherwise experience.” 

The first student award recipient is Sophie Bisson, an opera singer and third year PhD student in musicology. Her doctoral work focusses on the musical lineage and legacy of Italian-Canadian soprano Lina Riccoboni Narducci (1915-1997). 

The Sunnuz Sarah Taheri Graduate Award helped Bisson pay for membership fees to organizations related to her field of research as well as attend and present her work at out of town conferences where she made important connections with other students and scholars. 

Bisson was particularly moved to meet Farrokh Eshragi and Sunnuz’s mother, Nazila Taheri. “I am grateful that this wonderful family valued my research. Meeting with them and making a personal connection was incredibly moving,” says Bisson. “I hope my work lives up to their gift but, mostly, I hope they find comfort in each year’s recipient and the legacy they are creating.” 

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