Hamilton College in New York (where he gained his first BA) and Trinity. He was a life trustee of both. In 1989 Trinity honoured him with an honorary LLD. The poet Derek Walcott was awarded a Litt D in the same ceremony. Ellis was particularly impressed with the Latin oration delivered by the Public Orator. Jane died in 1990; Ellis remarried Clara Wood Golay who died in 2011, four years before Ellis who died peacefully at home on 5 March 2015, aged 90. He was survived by his three children and grandchildren. As philanthropists who believed in the power of education, he and Jane endowed the Jane D and Ellis E Bradford Scholarship at Hamilton College, enabling disadvantaged adults to continue their studies, and they supported a similar programme at Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina (where they had retired). In his will, Ellis left a generous legacy to Trinity for its unrestricted use. The college has decided to use his legacy gift to support the Trinity Sanctuary Fund, which was established in 2022 to provide scholarships, financial support, language supports and additional services to students of sanctuary. Carol says that her parents ‘would be delighted to learn that their legacy will support the efforts of the University of Sanctuary. The goals sound very much in line with their beliefs.’ The Trinity Sanctuary Fund Trinity is part of the international Universities of Sanctuary initiative that recognises efforts to support migrants, refugees and asylum seekers within academic communities. Through the initiative, Trinity commits to creating an inclusive environment, offering opportunities for education and fostering a sense of belonging for displaced individuals seeking sanctuary in Ireland. The University of Sanctuary Undergraduate Scholarship programme provides tuition fees, a monthly stipend and tailored support services for the duration of a four-year undergraduate degree to students in the Irish International Protection system. Trinity alumni have been exceptionally supportive of the Sanctuary Fund since its launch and are making a real difference to students. Qudseya Mohibbi, who received asylum in Ireland after leaving Afghanistan in December 2021, is now a first-year student in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, having received a Sanctuary Scholarship: ‘Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to come to Trinity and follow my dreams. I’m incredibly grateful. When I’ve finished my undergraduate degree, I will do a further four years of medicine. I’m looking forward to working in Ireland as a doctor. I want to give back and help others, as I have been helped.’ Click here to find out more about the Sanctuary Fund. If you are interested in leaving a legacy to Trinity, please get in touch with Niamh McCourt, Donor Development Manager, T: +353 (0)86 128 4114 E: niamh.mccourt@tcd.ie
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