A Legacy of Faith and Impact
Gift of Insurance Endows The Rev. Dr. John C. Hoffman and The Rev. Nettie (Wilson) Hoffman Award
By Sharon Gregory
Faith and service characterized the remarkable lives and ministry of the late Rev. Dr. John C. Hoffman Vic 5T4 and his wife, the late Rev. Nettie (Wilson) Hoffman Emm 5T0. Professor, preacher and counsellor, John concluded his academic career as principal of Emmanuel College (1990-1996). Nettie, the first ordained female minister in the province of Quebec, was a devoted volunteer and passionate advocate for refugees.
Some years before John’s death in 2012, the couple committed to continue their customary generosity and philanthropy beyond their lifetimes when they pledged to make a legacy gift to Emmanuel. The College was named as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of which were received by the College after Nettie passed away in 2019. As a result, The Rev. Dr. John C. Hoffman and The Rev. Nettie (Wilson) Hoffman Award was established. Conferred upon PhD degree students who have demonstrated financial need, it was awarded for the first time this academic year, to Morgan Bell Emm 2T0, who is enrolled in the PhD in Theological Studies program.
“It is a fitting and lasting testament to their many contributions to the College that John and Nettie Hoffman’s generous legacy gift will impact generations of graduate students at Emmanuel”, remarks Interim Principal John Young.
Photo: John and Nettie Hoffman in the Emmanuel Library, date unknown
WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
Planning Your Legacy
Whether it is recognizing the impact of your education on your life and career, expressing gratitude for your experiences inside and outside the classroom, or paying forward the help you received in the form of a bursary or scholarship, there are many reasons for choosing to remember Victoria University in your estate plan. Charitable bequests and other forms of planned gifts – such as proceeds from a registered retirement plan or a life insurance policy – can help you plan your legacy, while providing financial and other benefits. Planned gifts provide support for scholarships and bursaries, academic programs, as well as the University’s heritage buildings and grounds.
If you are considering a bequest in your Will to Victoria or Emmanuel, here is suggested wording:
I give and bequeath to the Board of Regents of Victoria University, Toronto, Ontario, the sum of $ _____ or _____ % or _____ shares of my estate.
Please contact Sharon Gregory, associate director, gift planning, at 416–813–4050, or sharon.gregory@utoronto.ca for more information on charitable bequests, other forms of planned giving and five steps you can take to plan your legacy. You may also request a copy of Victoria University’s Estate Planning Primer and Workbook, or inform the University of your planned gift and enroll in the Victoria University Heritage Society for those who have made a provision for Victoria or Emmanuel in their estate plan.