Widow donates millions to Scottish students in will after promise to husband before his death

Devoted couple Bernard and Ruth Smith left a multi-million pound legacy to the University of Aberdeen.

A widow has donated millions of pounds to help the next generation of Scottish students following a promise to her late husband before his death. Ruth Smith, who passed away in 2022, left £3.3million to the University of Aberdeen in honour of her husband Bernard, who wished for his estate to be used for the advancement of medical research.

Bernad had ties with the university from a young age, after graduating with a First from the medical school in 1940. Before his death in 1985, the devoted couple agreed that they would leave a multi-million pound legacy gift to the university when Ruth passed.

During her lifetime, Ruth supported the university with several other donations made between 1987 and 1990 to help fund neurological research. She also continued to make financial contributions when the The University of Aberdeen Development Trust USA, now the University of Aberdeen Foundation, was established in 1994, before honouring Bernard's final wishes with the gift in the will.

The university described the generous funds as "transformational" and said they will be used to build upon its world-class neuroscience and medical imaging credentials to transform neuroscience research, as well as teaching for future generations.

Clare Livingston, Interim Director of Advancement and Campaign Director at the University, said “This gift is so special, and it really pays tribute to the wonderful relationship Ruth and Bernard enjoyed with the University throughout their adult years.

“Ruth understood Bernard’s connection to the University and his desire to advance medical research and kept her promise to him over many years, both during her lifetime and now, with a gift in her will. We're very grateful to the Smith family and the University of Aberdeen Foundation in the US for their support in the administration of this transformational gift.”

Professor David Blackbourn, Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, said: “The Smiths’ legacy gift will allow the University to build on existing critical mass around neuroscience and medical imaging. It will enable us to transform neuroscience research and teaching capacity at Aberdeen and advance our expertise in the causes, treatments, and innovations needed to halt and prevent cognitive decline.

“Research in areas such as Parkinsons, Alzheimer’s and Motor Neuron Disease is crucial as we try to find ways that will minimise the impact of these conditions on individuals – and indeed society – in the future."

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor George Boyne added: “Our alumni and friends play a crucial role in ensuring the continued success of the University as supporters, advocates and ambassadors. The Smiths’ commitment and transformative gift to the University of Aberdeen is truly inspiring.”

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