Williams Estate Provides "Incredible Opportunity"
The University of Victoria is the main beneficiary of the estate of Michael Williams--the respected Victoria heritage property developer, patron of the arts and philanthropist who passed away Nov. 9, 2000 at age 70. At a net value of $17 million, it's the largest gift to UVic in the university's 38-year history.
"The university is grateful for the tremendous support and generosity shown to us by Michael," says UVic President David Turpin. "His legacy to UVic will benefit both the community and the province. It's a tribute to his belief in the importance of universities, teaching and research."
The assets left to UVic are largely in the form of real and personal property. They include Swans Hotel, nine other city properties, six townhouses on Cadboro Bay Rd., Mr. Williams' principal residence and adjacent lot on Ten Mile Point, and an extensive art collection. The collection, valued at more than $3 million and including works by artists such as Myfanwy Pavelic, Jack Shadbolt and Susan Point, is considered to be among the best Northwest Coast art collections in existence.
"This presents us with an incredible opportunity which will help support the quality of teaching and research at UVic. Providing greater and more convenient access to UVic programs downtown has always been a desire of the university and, thanks to Michael's generosity, UVic will be able to move closer to this goal. The nature and breadth of the assets mean it will take time before decisions regarding management of the properties and business operations are finalized," says Turpin. "We are so appreciative of what Michael has done for the university and we're going to take the time and give careful thought as to how to use his gift most wisely."
UVic has commenced discussions with groups and individuals in the community about how to address Mr. Williams' intentions in a way that best meets community needs, that is consistent with the university's mission and that comes as close as possible to carrying out Mr. Williams' specific requests. Wishes set out in Mr. Williams' will include use of the Ten Mile Point property by the university, making the art available for public viewing downtown, and using the income from other properties to create a long-term revenue stream for the university.
"Michael Williams was a man of vision who strongly believed that by giving his estate to the University of Victoria he would benefit the entire community in which he lived and truly loved," says Williams estate co-executor Michael O'Connor. "Michael was not formally educated, but he had a keen passion for learning and debating and believed that all citizens should have the opportunity, by virtue of education, to be creative, productive and supportive of their community. His gift will assist UVic to provide more of these opportunities to learn and study and to enhance its downtown presence in Michael's neighbourhood. Along with my co-executor, Robert McAdams, I'm extremely proud to be part of today's announcement."
"We recognize the particular importance of many of the downtown properties to the future of downtown Victoria and our responsibility to arrange proper stewardship of the heritage buildings," says Turpin. "We'll be working with the City and others in the community on these issues." Turpin says a university-owned company with Mr. Williams' former business manager Janina Ceglarz as its CEO will manage these properties after they are transferred to the university over the next few months.
The most visible examples of Mr. Williams' past support of UVic are the university's ceremonial convocation furnishings--chancellor's chair, kneeling stool, lectern, mace stand and talking stick--which were created by 12 B.C. aboriginal artists and given to the university by Mr. Williams in 1993.
An honorary degree was granted to Mr. Williams in 1990 in recognition of his leadership in preserving and renewing Victoria's Old Town district.
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