When Evan Simpson started working at McMaster, he didn’t realize he was entering a career that would span more than 30 years. Initially a professor in the philosophy department, Simpson progressed through the ranks, eventually serving as dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
Simpson recalls a moment early in his career, walking across campus: a philosophy student approached him to share how much she enjoyed his class, saying it made her understand things in a way she never had before. For Simpson, this was a pivotal moment in reflecting on the impact education has for many students.
“University really is an exercise in self-creation,” he says. “It is not simply instilling knowledge but creating thinkers and responsible adults.”
During his time as dean, Simpson played a lead role in shaping many of the programs and departments still in existence today. He takes pride knowing he did what he could to keep the Faculty at the forefront of innovation, even hiring its first director of computing, a relatively new concept at the time.
When Simpson left McMaster in 1999, he left with much affection and the sense that the university had provided him many opportunities that wouldn’t have otherwise existed. Knowing first-hand the important role community support can play in shaping university activities, he felt it was important that he try to do something for the university in return.
“I started donating annually to the humanities endowment,” Simpson explains. “I know what it’s like to work within the confines of a tight budget and the endowment gives some latitude for doing things that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It permits a sense of exploration and innovation for new ideas.”
While McMaster is continuously recognized as a leader in education, ongoing support is vital to advance the programming, research and opportunities offered to students. With that in mind, Simpson has now decided to leave a gift in his will to support the Faculty of Humanities, with hopes that it might inspire others to do the same.
“I encourage people to consider supporting an area that is meaningful to them and hope that in one way or another, people might remember the importance the university has played in the narrative of their own lives,” he says. “I know I am not alone in saying McMaster made me who I am.”
To learn more about how you can make a difference through a legacy gift to McMaster, please contact Dana Rushak, Senior Development Officer at rushakd@mcmaster.ca or 289-244-3234.