When Professor Anne Kiltie came to the University of Aberdeen from Oxford in June 2021 to take up the position of Friends of ANCHOR Clinical Chair in Oncology, she was made to feel very welcome by students and staff and was inspired by their passion and warmth.
On Christmas Day 2022 Anne’s brother, who had an Asperger’s diagnosis, died suddenly of heart disease. Her brother’s death prompted her to update her will and she decided to include a gift to the University. Knowing that there will be a prevalence of students and the wider community on the autism spectrum, Anne felt it would be good to support individuals at the University of Aberdeen who are autistic, to empower them to do things that might not have been possible otherwise.
Anne was also inspired by the medical students who spent time in her lab on the Aberdeen Summer Research Scholarship scheme and wanted to give more people the opportunity to experience working in labs over the summer.
Anne’s legacy gift will therefore create a fund to support students and staff at the University with an autism diagnosis, as well as helping enable all medical students at Aberdeen to access a summer placement in research by providing financial assistance.
As well as making such a significant commitment to the University with a gift in her will, Anne also generously volunteers her time to speak about the motivation behind her gift at alumni and supporter events and to help persuade others to do the same. She understands philanthropy and its potential impact on both the University and the students and staff who directly feel its benefit. As a highly respected researcher and educator at the University, her enthusiastic advocacy for philanthropy and the work of Development & Alumni Relations helps raise awareness and generate much-needed support. We are delighted to recognise Anne’s commitment and generosity with the Principal’s Excellence Award for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
