Since starting at St. Andrew’s this past July, I have become fully immersed in the Andrean community and the many cherished traditions that take place here. It took no time to discover that there is something truly special about St. Andrew’s College – from the iconic steeple of Memorial Chapel visible through the trees to the boisterous cheer of “Gangwa!,” and the enduring brotherhood. The enriched academics delivered by passionate educators create an environment where students are surrounded by endless possibilities.
Since 1899, St. Andrew’s has been a place of inspiration, innovation, and achievement—a haven where boys are encouraged to discover and fulfill their dreams. It is a place where stories begin, and I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the unique Andrean traditions that define our school community.
As generations of Andreans before us laid the foundation for our campus and built a robust endowment, it is now our turn to look forward and contribute to the future. By contributing to our Legacy Campaign, you are not just making a donation – you are shaping the lives of countless young men from diverse socio-economic backgrounds who dream of making a difference in the world. Your support ensures long-term sustainability by funding scholarships and bursaries and enhancing academic and co-curricular programs. Most importantly, your generosity will open doors for future students, ensuring that financial constraints never limit access to a St. Andrew’s education.
As we celebrate St. Andrew’s 125th birthday, we reflect on our shared legacy and the enduring vision of the 1899 Andrean Legacy Society. In this newsletter, I am excited to highlight the inspiring story of Jonathan Thomson ’07, whose decision to gift life insurance to the school embodies the spirit of giving back. His commitment to St. Andrew’s, both in life and legacy, speaks to the lasting impact the school has on its students.
Jonathan’s journey with SAC began on a bursary, and today, through his life insurance gift, he is ensuring that future generations of young men will have the opportunity to experience the transformative education that shaped his own life. His story is a powerful testament to the deep connection and lasting influence of St. Andrew’s College.
Best wishes,
Marla Lambert Associate Director of Advancement marla.lambert@sac.on.ca
volume 5 November 2024
1899 Andrean Legacy Society Newsletter
JPAYING IT FOWARD
JONATHAN THOMSON ’07 AND THE LEGACY OF GIVING
BACK
For those who walked the halls of St. Andrew’s College in the 2000s, the name Thomson probably rings a bell. But now, thanks to a remarkable legacy gift from Jonathan Thomson ’07, the name will shine brightly for future generations of Andreans, helping them experience the same exceptional St. Andrew’s College education that Jonathan did.
Growing up in Orangeville as a dual-sport star in hockey and lacrosse, Jonathan was eyeing prep schools in the U.S. until he found his way to SAC in Grade 9. The decision was significantly influenced by the financial aid offered to his family. Jonathan’s gratitude is evident when he says, “It wouldn’t have been possible without it.”
Jonathan approached his time at SAC with determination and focus, embracing the opportunity with both hands. “I was driven,” he reflects. “I took it very seriously and became a good student for the first time in my life right away.”
His dedication paid off. As an honour roll student and boarder in Memorial House, Jonathan thrived under coach Greg Reid’s guidance in lacrosse, and he clinched the Wallace Cup in the Cross-Country Run in 2003 and 2004.
Though his post-SAC journey took him to Cornell University, Jonathan believes his SAC years were the most impactful. “I put a lot into it, so I got a lot out of it,” he says.
Now a Director of Mortgage Investments at KingSett Capital in Toronto, Jonathan maintains strong ties with his school friends, including a visit to campus in May for Old Boys lacrosse games with his brother, Ben ’11, and his classmates, Jay Card ’07 & Tyson Geick ’07.
Jonathan standing on the corner where the Chestnut Park campus was located.
He likens his opportunity to attend SAC to borrowing money with the intent to give back. “Ideally, one day, I wanted to give that back.” In 2020, Jonathan chose to leverage a gift of life insurance through SAC’s Advancement Department, a move he found both strategic and fulfilling. “It allows me to make a larger impact and see the results,” he explains. “I can imagine that money going to students who, like me, are involved in sports and need financial aid. I wouldn’t have been able to attend St. Andrew’s without that help.”
Seeing current students succeed and participating in Old Boys events keeps Jonathan connected and grateful. His appreciation for his SAC experience is clear: “I just feel so fortunate to have gone there. It really made me who I am today.”
Ten Tax-Saving & Charitable Strategies Webinar
On October 30, 2024, the Alumni & Advancement Office hosted an in-depth virtual gathering with presenter, Mark Halpern, CEO of Weath Insurance. Mark is a Certified Financial Planner, Trust and Estate Practitioner, and Master Financial Advisor, Philanthropy– who hosted a discussion on maximizing your legacy while minimizing your taxes through innovative strategies that turn tax obligations into meaningful charitable contributions.
When you have a moment, please enjoy the recorded webinar. For past estate planning webinars, please visit:
If there is a topic you are interested in learning about or if you have something you would like to present, please send me a message at marla.lambert@sac.on.ca.
Jonathan, his wife, Alicia, daughter, Charlie Jay, and son, Cooper, outside the Chestnut Park campus.
Legacy Campaign Update
The Legacy Campaign is dedicated to creating opportunities for the young men of St. Andrew’s, both now and in the future. By growing our Endowment Fund, we make a St. Andrew’s education more accessible, strengthen the programs and traditions that define us, and ensure the school’s long-term financial stability. As our endowment grows, so does its annual distribution to the college, making every donation to the Legacy Campaign a lasting gift that continues to benefit future generations.
Our goal is to reach $100 million in combined assets from the Endowment Fund and Planned Gifts. When we launched the campaign in the fall of 2019, we started with 66.9 million. Today, we are thrilled to share that we’ve surpassed $90 million and are steadily approaching our goal!
Ways to Give to the Legacy Campaign
Legacy gifts are made with forethought. Donors are thinking about the future benefits to the institution and the tax advantages of being a donor. Legacy gifts can be a bequest made through your will, a gift of life insurance, shares or stocks, RRSP/RRIF, or an annuity.
A legacy gift can provide future support for areas of St. Andrew’s College that are most important to you and can often result in a much larger gift to the school than you ever thought possible.
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will to support SAC, please contact Marla Lambert at marla.lambert@sac.on.ca or 905-727-3178, ext. 381 for more information.
