The Peter A. Allard School of Law is pleased to announce a generous bequest from the estate of Ms. Ellen Mary “Penny” O’Donnell to provide bursary funding for JD students who demonstrate financial need. This six-figure gift will go towards supporting law students through the creation of an endowment named in honour of Ms. O’Donnell’s foster brother, Mr. Bisham “Bishop” Karn Dharney. With UBC’s 4% spending allocation, the endowment is expected to provide $26,000 annually.
Ms. O’Donnell was a box factory worker for 43 years, from the age of 16 until she retired. She passed away at the age of 88. Mr. Dharney was a Vancouver-based lawyer. He became a member of the Law Society of British Columbia from 1958 until his death in 2007, after a courageous battle with stroke and respiratory conditions. Neither Ms. O’Donnell nor Mr. Dharney were alumni of the Allard School of Law or UBC.
“The Allard School of Law is incredibly honoured to be the recipient of this very generous, and unexpected, estate gift,” said Dean pro tem Janine Benedet, QC.
When asked about the particular importance of bursaries, Dean pro tem Benedet noted: “Bursary funding is the cornerstone of our financial aid program, and student need continually outpaces available funding. This endowment will ensure law students with acute need are supported in perpetuity.”
To learn more about leaving a legacy gift to UBC, please visit the give UBC website.
