Leave a lasting legacy at Sussex
By: Emma Wigmore
Last updated: Friday, 2 October 2026
Dave Nicholson
Coral Buckland
As a new academic year begins, the University of Sussex welcomes a new generation of students to campus. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement as students embark on their Sussex journey, ready to embrace new opportunities, friendships, discoveries and experiences.
Many of these opportunities are made possible thanks to the generosity and foresight of alumni and friends who choose to leave a gift in their Will.
Legacy gifts have a transformative impact on the Sussex community. They help talented students overcome financial barriers, support pioneering research, and ensure Sussex remains a place where learning, discovery and innovation can flourish for generations to come.
Did you know that the University of Sussex has charitable status and that you can leave us a legacy gift in your Will?
For many supporters, leaving a gift in their Will is a meaningful way to recognise the role Sussex has played in their lives and to help future generations benefit from the same opportunities.
Former Sussex staff member Dave Nicholson chose to make this special commitment after seeing first-hand the transformative power of higher education.
"Sussex is a special place. The academics, staff and students that I met and collaborated with made my time at the University a real pleasure."
As first-generation graduates, Dave and his partner understand the difference that access to education can make.
"We hope our gift will allow students to focus more on their studies and to experience all the wonderful opportunities that Sussex has to offer. Even a small percentage of an estate can provide a significant amount that can be put to good use."
A gift that lives on
A gift in your Will can make a difference long into the future. Every legacy gift, no matter its size, helps create opportunities for students and researchers to achieve their potential and make a positive impact on society.
One inspiring example is alumnus Kay Jones, whose legacy gift is supporting Coral Buckland, a PhD researcher in Bioethics and Global Health. Through gifts like these, supporters continue to shape lives and advance knowledge long after their time at Sussex.
Read Coral's story
Every gift, large or small, contributes to a lasting legacy of opportunity, discovery and positive change.
Find out more
If you are considering leaving a gift to Sussex in your Will, we would be delighted to hear from you. Any conversation will be treated in the strictest confidence.
To learn more about how legacy giving can support future Sussex students and researchers, visit our Legacy Giving webpage or contact Robert Yates, Head of Advancement at robert.yates@sussex.ac.uk.