To celebrate Giving Tuesday, we have been sharing a series of student stories to bless you and to cherish the art of giving. We hope you enjoy our third and final story in this series.
It all started with a caring Christian grandmother who was passionate about seeing women educated and equipped.
Some years ago Leslie Roos wanted to go to Trinity Western University, but she faced two major hurdles: no woman in her family had ever pursued a post-secondary degree before, and her family didn’t have the finances to fund a private university education.
Leslie’s grandmother, Isabelle Willoughby, on the other hand, had a vision to see women entering a variety of professions. She was determined to make this happen for Leslie, so Isabelle and her husband, Harvey, decided to pay for Leslie’s tuition at TWU.
Leslie enrolled in the general studies BA program, minoring in education, psychology, and kinesiology.
While at TWU, Leslie met Jeff, who was a semester ahead of her and who also served as an RA at Robson Hall. They were married in 1996, after Leslie’s second year and Jeff’s third year. They lived off-campus together and truly enjoyed being part of the TWU community.
“I just want students to know there is a community of alumni behind them and with them in the journey. You need to know you’re not alone. If you’re worried about finances, God works these things out. I encourage you to connect with the bursary and finance office and get the support you need.”
After getting married, Leslie was also blessed with a pregnancy. Her first daughter was born in the summer of 1997. Even though she now had a little one in tow, Leslie remained committed to finishing her degree. She loved her program and continued to work hard, graduating in 1999.
Leslie’s grandmother and grandfather were so thrilled to see Leslie receive her BA diploma, as Leslie had now become the first woman in her family to get a university degree. Isabelle’s dream for her granddaughter had come true.
After TWU, Leslie and Jeff continued to grow their own family. Their four children all ended up going to TWU. Three of them—Danica (’20), Emma (’21), and Katie (’21)—have already graduated, while Jacoba, the youngest, is in Grade 11 and looks forward to attending TWU in 2023.
The legacy that Leslie’s grandmother began continues today. After Isabelle passed away in April 2018, Leslie felt impressed to honour her grandmother’s initiative, generosity, and commitment. In many ways, Isabelle had taken a stand. It must not have been easy to step out in faith against the apparent odds at the time.
Knowing all of this, Leslie wanted to do something to give back, so she and her family agreed to start a TWU scholarship in her grandmother’s name. She wanted to establish financial support for students like her who wouldn’t normally be able to afford it on their own. Also, remembering what it was like juggling work and school, she wants students to have the support they need so they can focus on getting the most out of their time at TWU and their degree.
“I just want students to know there is a community of alumni behind them and with them in the journey. You need to know you’re not alone. If you’re worried about finances, God works these things out. I encourage you to connect with the bursary and finance office and get the support you need,” says Leslie.
The legacy that Leslie’s grandmother began continues today. After Isabelle passed away in April 2018, Leslie felt impressed to honour her grandmother’s initiative, generosity, and commitment. In many ways, Isabelle had taken a stand. It must not have been easy to step out in faith against the apparent odds at the time.
In Leslie’s eyes, investing in a TWU education is so full of value beyond graduation, she believes everyone who wants to attend TWU should be able to do so.
“Don’t be afraid of the price tag,” she says, “It’s worth it and we’re here for you. For me it was my grandma, but there is still a community of alumni with similar passions excited to support you.”
Leslie’s grandmother’s impact is a perfect example of how one student life changed has powerful ripple effects and touches more lives down the line. Our hearts fill with the desire to bless others just as we have been blessed.
To conclude our Giving Tuesday series of student stories, we invite you to join Leslie and our two previously featured students, Kevin Chai and Jake Jurgeneit, and celebrate Giving Tuesday in any way that you feel called.
We hope you have been just as moved and inspired by their willingness to not just serve but also share vulnerably and openly about their personal encounters and journeys at TWU.
See also—How TWU's Kevin Chai will do much more than just help businesses grow:
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca