Alumnus and wife leaving legacy gift for future electrical engineering students

He first came to Niagara College nearly 40 years ago to pursue his diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology and now, alumnus Glen Gahagan and his wife Heather Scott, are supporting the next generation of electricians through a legacy gift.
The couple is leaving a generous $25,000 bequest to the College through their will to create the Glen Gahagan Electrical Engineering Technology Bursary. The future endowed award will provide two annual bursaries in perpetuity for students – one $500 bursary for both a female and male student – in the Electrical Engineering Technology program within NC’s School of Technology.

Donors Heather Scott and Glen Gahagan
When Gahagan and Scott talked about the number of charities that have had an impact on their lives while estate planning, they felt strongly about the impact a gift to NC could have on future generations.
“Post-secondary education is expensive and will continue to increase in the years to come,” they said. “Having access to funds to help offset some costs will help students lessen the financial burden.”
Working in the electrical field has been a rewarding career for Gahagan, who found stability and the opportunity for growth in an industry that continues to evolve with the creation of new technology. He has worked in a variety of food manufacturing companies across Southwestern Ontario, both in management and non-management roles, and recently transitioned to Toyota Manufacturing Canada (TMMC).
Over more than 30 years, he has seen a shift in the traditionally male-dominated skilled trades industry and wants to ensure that young women and men all feel empowered equally to pursue a career in the in-demand field.
“It really feels good to know that after you’re gone, your legacy will live on in a small way by helping others,” the couple shared.
They want others to know that leaving an estate gift is an attainable way to make a difference.
“Everyone can leave a legacy gift regardless of the size of their estate. People want to leave everything to their family, but often you will leave more to your family by including charities in your estate plan,” said Scott, a lifelong Niagara native and fundraising professional who has worked for various charities over her career.
“We are so grateful to Heather and Glen for choosing to support Niagara College with this estate gift,” said Emily O’Connor, NC Development Officer. “Their legacy will have a lasting impact on their loved ones, as well as the Niagara community for generations to come.”

Glen shows off his alumni jacket
When Gahagan, a Hamilton native, thinks back on his time at NC in the 1980s, he remembers it fondly, sharing how his professors transferred their professional experience and expertise to their students with a commitment to ensuring that everyone succeeded. He also met one of his closest friends when they roomed together in off-campus housing – they were in different programs, but their friendship made it easier to be away from home.
The couple is excited to make a difference for students pursuing their dreams by giving back to the school that had such a positive impact on Gahagan’s life.
“We have three successful adult children all who have completed post-secondary education across Canada. We are aware of the importance of scholarships from them and the costs of education,” they shared.
Gahagan and Scott are proud of their children (stepchildren to Scott). Shelby is a Nurse Practitioner, Maddison a Clinical Pharmacist and Colby, who is an NC Electrical Engineering Technology alumnus (2023) like his father, works with an automation company.
“A good base of knowledge from a program like Niagara College sets someone up for success in their career. You never stop learning and are never too old to learn,” they said.
Leave a legacy
May is celebrated nationally as Leave a Legacy Month, a time when non-profit organizations encourage individuals to consider how they can leave a lasting impact through charitable gifts in their wills and estate plans.
If you’re interested in leaving a legacy gift at Niagara College, please contact Emily O’Connor to learn more.
For information on the important priorities of NC’s Together campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.