A Legacy of Philanthropy

Dick and Joanne McGillis’ support for The McGillis School spans three decades, beginning when the School was in its infancy and needed financial support to remain viable. They funded the purchase of the Douglas Elementary School, and they acted as lead donors in the 2010 campaign to grow facilities and enrollment. Their giving to the School totaled more than $18M, inspiring our entire community to practice its own tzedakah—giving to others—while establishing McGillis as a premier K-8 school in Utah.

Joanne’s engagement with the School grew in the years following Dick’s passing in 2018. She attended every student performance and community event, and she established many beloved traditions, including passing out taffy and cookies to students. Joanne believed in tzedakah and demonstrated this with incredible passion, showing us the impact one person can create by giving to others.

In December of 2022, one year after Joanne’s passing, the School received a gift of $6.75M from her estate, establishing The Joanne S. McGillis Endowment Fund. In keeping with Joanne’s wishes, this endowment fund will remain invested, with the annual proceeds dedicated to attracting and retaining the very best teachers through competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development.

In addition to this amazing gift, Joanne also donated the proceeds from the sale of her home, which totaled $1.2M. Again honoring her wishes, the School will use these funds for the care and maintenance of our existing building.

Joanne’s legacy gift—her final act of love for the School—totaled $7.95M.

It is an understatement to say that Joanne loved the School with her full heart, and that together, she and Dick made an unforgettable impact on the future of The McGillis School. We will be forever grateful for their generous philanthropic support, their leadership, and their friendship.