I owe WLU an awful lot!

Archie McQueen (BA ’68), a retired but still active octogenarian, is looking at a letter from the dean of the business school at Waterloo Lutheran University dated 1962. The letter informs the 21-year-old high school dropout that he has been admitted to pursue a degree at Waterloo Lutheran University. It was a life-changing moment for McQueen.

“I was admitted as an ‘adult special student,’” remembers McQueen. “I’m forever thankful for the opportunity that WLU gave me. It was a remarkable experience.”

McQueen embraced this opportunity and the many others that came from it. He “thoroughly enjoyed his time at WLU,” made friends he is still connected with today and eventually switched into Arts which started him on the road to a career in teaching.

But before teaching, McQueen embraced more learning, completing Teacher’s College and earning a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science in Education. McQueen joined the Hamilton Wentworth Board of Education in 1969 where he taught students in grade six to grade eight until he retired in 2021.

After he retired, McQueen continued to work as a substitute teacher, engaging in an exceptional level of generosity by donating his salary back to the school to help strengthen their student resources. He taught his last class at the age of 81, and now volunteers at a few different schools for their before and after school programs.

An incredibly generous man, both through his philanthropy as well as the time and care he has shown for students for more than 30 years, McQueen has also supported Laurier, as an annual and legacy giving donor.

“I owe WLU an awful lot for giving me the opportunity to further my education,” says McQueen. “I don’t know who I would have been or where I would have ended up if I hadn’t been accepted to WLU. Because of WLU, I have had this very rewarding career!”

Annually, McQueen gives to student awards at Laurier, so that other students can have the incredible opportunities he had. The gift in his will is broader – he wants Laurier to be able to decide where his support can be most useful when the gift is received.

“Laurier gave me an enormous opportunity to go into the world,” he says. “I think anyone who graduates from university should consider giving back – any amount is fine – for what they were given.

“Be thankful for what they did for you!”

If you are interested in making a bequest to Laurier, please contact Cec Joyal, Development Officer, Individual & Legacy Giving, Advancement and External Relations   548-889-4864  | cjoyal@wlu.ca