As a former varsity athlete at York University, Ron Watson (BSc '72) knows a thing or two about the immense obstacles facing student-athletes – and now, he's using his own experience to make a different for future generations of Lions.
 
During his time as a student in the Faculty of Science, Ron proudly donned his red-and-white as a varsity rugby player and swimmer, and saw first-hand the kind of pressure trying to juggle education and extracurriculars can put on even the most resilient of students. Not only are many students facing academic pressures and severe financial strain, but varsity athletes are disproportionately exposed to both physical and mental health issues due to the high-intensity nature of most sports.
 
With mental health taking on a heightened importance in athletics worldwide, support services such as counselors, social workers and psychologists are becoming more and more necessary. However, without adequate funding, these crucial services could suffer at York. It is for this reason that Ron and his wife Diane have made a current gift and made a provision in their will to leave a gift that will assist student-athletes in need of mental health support.
 
Of the $200,000 total gift, $100,000 will be directed towards the creation of a Mental Health Fund. This fund will help student-athletes cover the costs of both assessment and treatment of their mental health needs and drastically impacting their ability to be successful – both in the classroom and in the heat of competition. The other half of the bequest will go towards permanently endowing an undergraduate award in the Faculty of Science that was previously established by the Watsons.
 
Ron and Diane's philanthropy goes beyond just York University. On top of their support for students and athletes, they also give to numerous causes in their home town of Thunder Bay, including Lakehead University, where Diane is a grad. "If we can help, and if it's a good cause we believe in, we are happy to support it," they say.
 
As a result of their generous new bequest, Ron and Diane are now members of York's special White Rose Legacy Circle. For more information about creating a future legacy at York, please visit www.myyorklegacy.com