Bespoke afternoon tea to celebrate Imperial’s legacy giving

The annual event recognises the generosity of the Queen’s Tower Society, Imperial’s community of legacy pledgers.

On a bright Thursday afternoon, the Smith Centre at the Science Museum was alive with conversation as supporters, staff and students gathered to celebrate the generosity of donors and alumni who have pledged a gift in their will to support Imperial.

Welcoming guests, Anna Wall, Head of Regular Giving and Legacy Giving, thanked supporters for their generosity in supporting Imperial students for years to come. 

I am incredibly thankful for having been awarded this opportunity, thank you so much for your support. Laia Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholar, MSc Immunology 2022

Anna shared the story of Dr Jean Alero Thomas (Medicine 1970) whose legacy gift has supported scholarships for many talented young people since 2016. This is a testament to how a single legacy gift can transform the lives of many students, who will in turn create positive change in the world.   

Life-changing scholarships 

Over the course of the afternoon, guests enjoyed the opportunity to chat and learn firsthand from Imperial scholars about how their giving will have a real-world impact. The Imperial bursary lifts financial barriers for students with the most profound needs, while scholarship gifts reward exceptional individuals and equip them to realise their full potential. 

Your support is driving the Imperial community forward. Kristin Blanchfield Vice President of Advancement

Folami Otulana, Mathematics Undergraduate and Scholar, spoke about his time studying at Imperial. He shared how his scholarship enabled him to realise his potential and take on additional opportunities such as participating in student societies and undertaking work experience programmes.    

Philanthropy for transformative impact 

Legacy pledgers also learned about the latest pioneering research taking place at Imperial from Dr Paul McKay, Advanced Research Fellow working within Professor Robin Shattock’s mucosal vaccinology team in the Department of Infectious Disease.  

Last year, Imperial launched its new Strategy, Science for Humanity, which seeks to maximise the university’s potential as a force of good in the world. Philanthropy has had a remarkable impact at Imperial and will continue to play an important role in delivering this bold ambition. 

Kristin Blanchfield, Vice President of Advancement said: “Your support is driving the Imperial community forward. You are ensuring that no student has to forfeit their offer to study at Imperial; and that researchers are able to continue their great work to inform solutions that benefit the lives of millions.” 

Legacy pledger and donor John Shard (Chemical Engineering 1961) commented on the event: "This is my third or fourth time attending this event. When I was at Imperial, I received a bursary and enjoyed the benefits that came with it, so I want to pass it on. I am interested in Imperial's development, so it's been insightful learning what's happening at the university today."

About the Queen’s Tower Society 

The Queen’s Tower Society was established in 2016, and with 16 new members this year, the society is now a strong community of 450 pledgers. Imperial received £1.6m in legacy gifts and £5.1m in legacy pledges in the last year. This generosity will inspire the next generation of talented young minds and the world’s future leaders. 

Hear from some of Imperial's legacy pledgers and scholars about how legacy giving can have a far-reaching impact.