Arts alum's philanthropy lives on through estate gift

At the heart of everything Mary Bales did was a desire to help others.

The long-time Kitchener resident came to the University of Waterloo from the U.S. in 1969 to pursue graduate studies in English. She went on to earn master’s degrees in arts and philosophy, and in 1974, she began what would become a long and successful career selling real estate in the Kitchener area.

Mary’s connection to the University of Waterloo remained strong. In addition to serving two terms with the Board of Governors, Mary was active on a number of University committees and councils, particularly in the Faculty of Arts. In honour of her service to community and her professional accomplishments, she was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree, and was one of 50 alumni to receive a University of Waterloo 50th Anniversary Alumni Award. She also received an Arts Alumni Achievement Award.

Mary made her first gift to Waterloo in 1984, and for thirty years she remained a loyal supporter, establishing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students and contributing to other faculty priorities. She also made arrangements for the University to be named as a beneficiary of her estate.

When Mary passed away in December 2014, her generosity bestowed a legacy at Waterloo that will benefit future generations of students. A portion of her estate will build the Mary Bales Graduate Scholarship in Arts and the Mary N. Bales Entrance Scholarship endowments, as well as the new Global Engagement Seminar Program. Her estate also donated more than 30 books from Mary’s personal collection to the University library.

Story originally posted in 2015-16 Report on Giving.