From Inspiration to Impact: Creating a Legacy Through Giving
From her first days on campus, Anna Gail Tyson felt an immediate sense of belonging at Carleton University. The university’s motto, “Ours the task eternal,” resonates deeply with her — reflecting both her enduring connection to Carleton and her belief in the transformative impact of education.
A dedicated alumna and donor, Anna (BA/76) continues to give back to Carleton through the launch of two new funds that will create opportunities for students. Established in memory of her mother, Mary Lily Tyson — better known as “Jo” — the M.L. (Jo) Tyson Scholarship in Undergraduate Music Studies supports young musicians in pursuing their aspirations. A second gift, the Anna Gail Tyson Library Fund, will enhance the resources available through the MacOdrum Library, providing funds for library acquisitions and priority projects.
“I so want to honour the lives of both my parents,” Anna explains, “Mom with the music scholarship and my father, as well as myself, through the fund to the library.”
Anna (right), with her mother, Jo.
Anna's mother, Jo, singing with the Orpheus Music Society, Brunswick, Maine.
From early childhood, Anna was encouraged by her father to embrace reading as a gift. As the only child in a military family, Anna moved frequently — 17 times before finishing high school. From Goose Bay and Halifax to Montreal and Edmonton, with stops in Maine, Washington, D.C. and Florida, each new posting brought change. Her parents and her love for books were her only constants.
Anna’s mother, Jo, an accomplished performer, brought creativity to life on stage, singing, acting, teaching and directing. Behind the scenes, Anna’s father played an equally important part, researching roles, sourcing sheet music and helping to write, edit and assemble programs and bulletins for Jo’s performances. Together, they provided a continual source of inspiration to embrace new opportunities and explore one’s passions.
Following the family’s final posting to Foymount, Ontario, a small military base two hours outside of Ottawa, Anna enrolled at Carleton to study English, influenced by her lifelong love of books and learning.
“Since our family ends with me, I am determined to share our stories to inspire others,” she says. “This way, our voices and life choices can mentor future students and hopefully continue to make a small difference in someone’s life."
“Ours the task eternal couldn’t have been a better motto,” Anna recalls. “The colours, red and black, were my colours. It was a perfect fit. I loved the university. I was inspired by the professors I had back then. They made such an impression on me.”
Throughout her academic journey, Anna spent countless hours studying and learning in the MacOdrum Library, which soon felt like a second home. Though their paths never crossed on campus, Anna’s father also spent many hours doing research in the library when he took several law courses at Carleton later in life. These memories inspired her to find ways to make education and essential learning resources more accessible, so others can benefit from the same opportunities to explore and pursue their own passions.
After graduating, Anna went on to teacher’s college and chose to remain in Ottawa, then home to both Carleton and her parents. Known affectionately as “Miss T,” she built a career as an elementary school teacher and passed on her love of reading to her students.
Anna with her parents at her Carleton convocation ceremony.
At the start of the school year, Anna recalls telling each new class, “We can’t be good at everything, but each of us has a special talent and we must use that talent to enhance the world in a positive way.”
Now retired, Anna continues to make positive change through giving back. Following her mother’s passing in July 2024, Anna was motivated to find a time and an opportunity to give that would honour her parents and create a meaningful and lasting family legacy. Establishing the two funds offers both immediate and long-term impact, allowing Anna to see the how her contributions enrich the experiences of current students, while knowing the gifts will continue to support future generations of Carleton students.
“Since our family ends with me, I am determined to share our stories to inspire others,” she says. “This way, our voices and life choices can mentor future students and hopefully continue to make a small difference in someone’s life. That is why I choose to make these commitments to Carleton University.”
To learn more about legacy giving at Carleton, including arranging a gift by will or creating a memorial award, visit the Yours for the Asking page and see how you can make a difference.