press release
Valerie Wilson is deeply connected to the Alberta ranchland her family has worked for more than 100 years – only adding significance to her gift of a piece of this heritage property.
“The gift to the U of L is a reflection of my husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law, and their lives and work in agriculture,” says Valerie. “The U of L was one of my picks because so many of our rural children go there, many of them studying agriculture.”
The Wilson land is steeped in history, marking a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity.
“When my father-in-law, George Wilson, came to Cochrane in 1905 from North Dakota, he settled on two quarters and broke the land,” says Valerie. “George passed his work ethic, dignity and commitment to community to his sons, my husband Murray and his brother Carl. They were gentle men who lived with the land.”
All three Wilson men are gone now, Murray having passed away in 2006, but their legacy lives on through Valerie and her vision for the property.
“It’s a beautiful spot,” she says. “My hope is that it will become part of the hamlet of Westbrook in the future, making it sub-dividable, which will truly increase the value of the land and bring a great bounty to the U of L.”
From a technical standpoint, Wilson has donated the property outright to the U of L and it will eventually be sold. However, the University is choosing to retain it until property values increase. In the meantime, Wilson is leasing the property for a term and will be able to provide her real-estate expertise to advise the University on the best time to sell. The U of L is happy to have someone caring for the land and grazing cattle on it.
“It’s such a valuable arrangement,” she says. “As a rancher or farmer you get the best of both worlds. You can continue to enjoy the use of the land as well as see the potential benefits of your gift while you are alive.”
University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, says the gift is representative of the Alberta spirit.
“We pride ourselves as an institution that was built by visionaries who identified a need and simply forged ahead and made it happen,” says Mahon. “The Wilson family is a kindred spirit. They are hard-working, honest people who created their own opportunities and are now in a position to pass that along to future generations. We are extremely grateful to Valerie and excited about the possibilities this gift can provide.”
A giving person at heart, Valerie’s donation speaks to her sense of community and her want to impact future generations.
“I have had a sense of charity my entire life,” she says. “I want my donations to help others and I hope to inspire others to make a similar gift.”
Read more about Valerie Wilson by clicking here.
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