Class Giving
Creating a legacy through Class Giving
Alumni often choose to support the Temerty Faculty of Medicine together with their classmates through our Class Giving program.
While class gifts are always welcome — and a destination for online class giving can be set up at any time — funds are often set up to commemorate a special occasion such as graduation or a milestone anniversary, or to pay tribute to a classmate or faculty member.
Named funds, which are formally established in honour of a class and receive more personalized impact reporting, can be established with collective commitments of $50,000 or more. Named class funds are a source of shared pride for classmates.
View a list of Class Giving funds.
Class Giving stories
Andy Lam and Sharon Tai met in their first year of the MD Program and eventually married. Andy shares how they went from friends to romantic partners, what inspired them to establish their own named award and the keys to their success.
MD alum Barry Goldlist discusses his experiences in the evolving field of geriatrics, the importance of connecting — and reconnecting — with his fellow physicians, and why he helped establish his class award.
When Nancy Down and Homer Yang reached out to their MD Class of 8T0 colleagues with the idea of establishing a U of T-matched award for MD students in financial need, they set off a storm of alumni support.
Supporting students with financial need
Contributions can support a specific program or research initiative, but most commonly support students with financial need through awards and/or bursaries.
With the high cost of living and studying in Toronto, the need for financial assistance is stronger than ever. Currently, the annual tuition for a Temerty Medicine MD student is approximately $25,000. On average, 75% of these students qualify for financial assistance every year.
Through a named fund, classmates can truly reflect the caring and compassionate community the trainees will ultimately be joining, reminding them their future fellow alumni will always have their backs.
Over the years, Class Giving efforts by Temerty Medicine alumni have had a tremendous impact, raising funds to support the health care professionals of tomorrow and establishing a lasting legacy in celebration of their time at U of T.
Class Giving impact
Thank you for your generosity and for believing in my potential. Your support is not only a gift to me but an commitment to advancing the future of health care.MD Class of 9T0 Award recipient
While I’ve received so much unconditional support throughout my medical school journey, if it weren’t for donors such as yourselves, it would be a considerably harder road to get here. Thank you again for giving me the privilege of an education and for your incredible support!MD Class of 0T0 Award recipient
The lasting impression and legacy you leave on us is one of compassion, kindness, generosity, and empowering the next generation. Thank you for your support!MD Class of 7T8 Award recipient
Advancement support for Class Giving
The Office of Advancement can assist class leads in planning, strategizing and supporting Class Giving campaigns every step of the way. With our experience and expertise in organizing similar campaigns, we can help execute a smooth, impactful and meaningful fundraising effort.
Through an email campaign, we can introduce the award to classmates to generate excitement and online donations. At an event, we can work with volunteers to illustrate impact in several ways, such as including remarks from a student award recipient in the event program. We can also set up a table with more information on your class campaign and assist those who choose to make a gift onsite.
To discuss establishing a new award, donating to an existing award or how the Office of Advancement can support class award fundraising efforts, please contact Emily Gong at emily.gong@utoronto.ca.