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An enduring legacy

The story of LSE began over 125 years ago with a single legacy bequest given to establish the School as “a community of people and ideas founded to know the causes of things for the betterment of society”. Since then, hundreds of members of our global community have entrusted LSE to direct their generous bequests towards intended support for students and research.

One student currently benefitting from such support is Joe Le Lievre (BSc International Politics and International Relations 2021), recipient of the Jennifer Pinney Masters Scholarship, established in 2020 following Jennifer's legacy to the School.

As Joe completes his MA in Modern History, he reflects on the opportunities offered by his scholarship: “With my ultimate goal to study for a PhD, the thought that financial reasons might prevent me completing my master’s degree was crushing, and one that made me seriously question whether an academic career was at all possible for me."

Upon receiving Jennifer’s scholarship, I felt as if I had been given a really significant chance in life that I must grab with both hands! I will remain eternally grateful for the opportunity given to me.

Joe Le Lievre, Jennifer Pinney Masters Scholarship recipient

During his master’s studies, Joe had the opportunity to meet Jennifer’s brother, Tony, to find our more about her long career at LSE. “Hearing about Jennifer and her work has really made me reflect on how grateful I am to have had this opportunity and motivated me even more to confidently pursue whatever comes after it!”

Black and white image of Jennifer Pinney, woman with short hair and glasses

Tony Pinney shares more insight into Jennifer’s life and legacy, and the reasons she decided to leave a gift to LSE in her Will, in our new film on legacy giving:

Watch two of our legacy supporters as they explain the motivation behind their commitments and the difference they have been able to make. To learn more about legacy giving at LSE please visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/legacygiving