Why I Give: Celebrating Moira’s legacy by enabling DJCAD students to develop their craft

We recently chatted with Kate McConnell, who helps keep the memory of her late mother, Moira, alive through the administration of the Moira MacGregor Prize. This fantastic support allows second-year Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) students to travel abroad or learn new skills, fuelling their creative practice and expanding their horizons around the globe.

To get this started, can you please tell us a bit about Moira, and her connection to the University of Dundee?

My mum, Moira, was born and grew up in Dundee. She was a student at DJCAD before heading to London to pursue a career as an illustrator.

Let’s go back to the beginning - what sparked the connection and led Moira to decide, 'This is an area she was passionate about and wanted to support'?

Since Moira died rather unexpectedly, we didn't have a written letter of her wishes. She was always very nostalgic about Dundee and often spoke of returning, but she sadly never got the opportunity. The decision to donate her work to DJCAD and start a bursary was a decision made by her family and friends, all feeling strongly that she would have approved. 

In your opinion, what is the single most important way that the bursary helps students here at Dundee to succeed?

I would love to think that the bursary would give some students the same horizon-expanding experiences that Moira had when she travelled around Europe as a student. 

Let’s set aside the financial elements for a moment, how does being a University of Dundee donor fulfil the request of Moira’s wishes? What does it mean to be actively involved in supporting our student community?

We like being involved and seeing the impact it has on students through reading their updates and reports - their stories are important to us. Sadly, my Dad has dementia now, but he still likes to hear from the winners.  Being involved also brings meaningful connections. For example, one student sent a gift which they made, it was a tartan for Moira which was really special.

If you could speak directly to our readers, what is the single most important message you would share about the value of donating to the University?

Being able to impact a student’s life is so rewarding – I’m hoping to see one of their names in lights one day! 

Image credits

Moira’s illustrations: University of Dundee Museums (copyright the artist’s estate)

B&W: Image courtesy of Kate McConnell