U.S. soldier's gift to the University of Brighton

Mario Grano lived in Brighton for six years after serving in World War Two and gained a BSc in Economics at what was then Brighton Technical College, later becoming part the University of Brighton which, like other universities, has charitable status.

He loved the college and city so much he regularly returned to Brighton with his family from their home in Massachusetts.

Mario, who went on to work as an accountant for a manufacturing company in Massachusetts, died in 2013 at the age of 95. Part of his will included bequests to the University of Brighton and to Boston University where he later gained a Master of Business Administration.

Mario, born in Italy, came to study in Brighton through the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – known informally as the GI Bill – which provided benefits for returning American veterans including tuition and living expenses for university study.

Mario’s daughter Jackie, who was born in Brighton, said she was proud of her father’s educational accomplishments, which also included studies at the London School of Economics.

Mario Grano

Leslie Willmot

His $10,000 bequest was for the university’s St Peter’s House Library in Richmond Place, Brighton. Mario requested it be used to establish a permanent endowment with the annual interest used to purchase new books for the library.

Sam Davies, the university’s Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, said: “A plaque has now been installed in the entrance of the library in Mario’s memory and his daughter Jackie hopes to visit the UK later this year to see the tribute.

“This is a very touching story and we are very grateful to Mario and his family for the bequest.”

The university has also received a legacy gift from the estate of Leslie Willmot who died last year, having served as a librarian at the former Brighton College of Art from the early 1960s.

Ms Davies said: “Leslie and colleagues created the beginnings of a first-class modern library for the arts and humanities, subjects he was very passionate about. Again, we are extremely grateful to Leslie and his family.”

One of the executors of Mr Willmot’s estate was Peter Keen, a former member of staff at the old Brighton Polytechnic and an honorary graduate of the university. Now Director of Sport at Loughborough University, he has been liaising with the university about the planned use of Mr Willmot’s bequest and shared some of his memories.

He said: “Wherever possible in his professional and personal life, he immersed himself in the arts, especially painting and opera.

“Academically, he seemed drawn more to the history and evolution of art forms, and the stories conveyed, rather than an intimate understanding of technique or the intricacies of performance. I suspect the desire to track and catalogue art work, and to help others explore it was what captivated him as a librarian.”

Ms Davies said Mr Wilmot’s bequest likely will be put towards the planned new academic building for the arts and humanities, including a specialist library, adjacent to the Grand Parade campus.

She said: “The university will put in place the means to properly recognise and celebrate Leslie’s vision to provide access to dedicated resources for aspiring artists and humanities scholars.

“For a charity like the university, income received in the form of gifts via bequests is hugely important, not only in terms of the financial impact, but also due to the significance of individuals choosing to directly support to the university in this way. 

“The university’s status as an exempt charity is not well-known, but as with other charities, our status means legacy gifts made to the university can help reduce the impact of inheritance tax.

“It is important that wills are made and kept up to date, since without a current will, or a will at all, you cannot be certain of how your estate will be passed on. We have recently produced a guide to help alumni, friends and other interested parties with the matter of will-writing and in particular if considering including a charitable bequest to the University of Brighton. We would also be very pleased to talk to anyone who is interested in leaving a gift to the university but wishes to discuss their intentions. However, we strongly encourage that professional advice is sought when seeking to make a will for the first time or updating an existing will.”

To find out more, contact Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement on 01273 878382.