McMaster alumni Lachlan and Doris MacLachlan have made a $2-million gift to strengthen the university’s Access Program, which helps equity-deserving students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds overcome barriers to postsecondary education.
The Access Program is a university-wide initiative that provides financial aid and wraparound support to diverse students groups — including those who are first-generation, Indigenous, have disabilities, are racialized, come from low-income or rural families or are mature learners.
It offers renewable financial awards and practical supports such as application assistance, academic advising, wellness resources and mentorship to help students not only access university, but thrive once they’re here.
The MacLachlans’ gift establishes the Lachlan and Doris MacLachlan Access Fund and the Lachlan and Doris MacLachlan Access Bursary, which will expand programming, dedicate space for students and provide renewable financial aid.
“Given our family’s 90-year connection with McMaster, my wife and I are delighted to support incoming equity-deserving students through the Access Program,” said Lachlan MacLachlan, who served as McMaster Students Union president in 1966-67.
“We’re pleased that our contributions have helped create a summer transition program and will continue to provide financial aid and programming support for Access students.”
“We have been so impressed by the McMaster team leading this work and look forward to their continued leadership in the years ahead.”
The couple’s connection to McMaster spans nearly a century, beginning when Lachlan’s parents met at Brandon College in Manitoba in the 1930s, when it was affiliated with McMaster.
Lachlan graduated with a Bachelor of Science from McMaster in 1966, and an MBA in 1969. During his time as MSU president, he met Doris Willows, who worked as a secretary in the Office of the Dean of Students.
The two married in 1968 in a ceremony at McMaster Divinity College, followed by a reception in Alumni Memorial Hall. Doris went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974.
Their long history with McMaster makes their decision to support future students especially meaningful.
“The MacLachlans’ generosity supports our vision of ensuring promising students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said Susan Tighe, president and vice-chancellor. “It’s a wonderful example of how philanthropy can transform education.”
Since its launch in 2020 with an initial cohort of 10 students, the Access Program has grown rapidly. In 2025, more than 1,400 students received program supports, with 651 high school students applying for 20 available Access Awards.
Among participants, 76 per cent identify as low-income, 70 per cent as racialized and 35 per cent as the first in their family to attend postsecondary education.
Access Award recipients also receive a guaranteed summer work-study placement that provides both financial assistance and valuable experience.
Part of the MacLachlans’ gift has already had an immediate impact.
This summer, McMaster launched the first Mac4U Summer Transition Program, welcoming 30 incoming Access students to campus for four days of community-building, faculty meetings and skill-building workshops.
“The transition program gave me a true sense of belonging at McMaster,” said Matthw Quiroz, a Mac4U participant.
“The experiences and support, from the scavenger hunt and cooking class to upper-year panels and mock lectures, helped ease my move into university life and made me feel like a real Marauder.”
The gift is also supporting a new Access Program space in Mills Library, now open to students, and will fund ongoing initiatives, including staffing, programming, equipment and the Lachlan and Doris MacLachlan Access Bursary.
The bursary provides renewable awards of $10,000 a year for up to four years to undergraduate students who, without financial support, would not be able to attend university.
“Being MSU president means thinking about how to make campus better for students,” said Piper Plavins, current MSU president. “What’s so inspiring about this gift is that Lachlan has continued doing that decades after his time in the role.
“The Access Program helps students from diverse backgrounds see McMaster as a place where they belong. The MSU has been a strong supporter of the program, and it’s wonderful that the MacLachlans share that commitment.”
The MacLachlans are longtime supporters of McMaster. In 2002, they contributed funding for the MacLachlan Room in the McMaster University Student Centre. In 2003, Lachlan received the MSU Alumni Association Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award.
“McMaster is building a strong foundation for the future success of our diverse student body,” said Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president (Students). “Lach and Doris have shown a remarkable willingness to understand the needs of our students and to respond with both immediate support and lasting legacy.”
“We are deeply grateful for their investment in the next generation of McMaster students,” he said.
In recognition of their generosity, McMaster will honour the MacLachlans with a plaque and naming of the MacLachlan Family Lounge in the Student Success Centre.