Sandra McDougall, a proud alumna of Utah State University, always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her journey began in first grade when she decided to dedicate her life to education. With the support of her father, who raised her after her mother passed away when Sandy was just nine years old, she navigated the college application process and was accepted to USU. Pursuing a dual degree in elementary education and early childhood education with a kindergarten certificate in the College of Education (Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services), Sandy graduated in 1968, becoming the only one among her six siblings to earn a college degree.
Her education at USU not only provided her with the credentials, but also the confidence to follow her passion. Sandy began teaching at an elementary school just a few blocks from her home in Brigham City, Utah, where she remained for 32 years. She taught various grades, including second, fourth, and fifth, but most of her career was spent teaching kindergarten. Despite the challenges of crowded classrooms and changing curriculums, she loved every moment. Sandy’s natural gift for teaching and her dedication to her students made her a beloved figure in the school.
Sandy’s dedication to teaching was unwavering. She loved the atmosphere of the school, the joy of seeing children learn, and the opportunity to make a difference. Even after she retired at 52, she continued to volunteer as an aide for her friend’s fourth-grade class for 12 more years.
“I was the first to arrive at school in the morning and the last to leave, often spending my summers preparing for the next school year,” Sandy said. “I just love teaching and always had a knack for it. My students were always important to me.”
Honoring Her Husband’s Memory
Sandy’s husband, Bryan McDougall, was an engineer and a rocket scientist who worked on the solid rocket booster at Thiokol. He and Sandy shared a deep love for each other and a commitment to making the world a better place. When Bryan passed away in 2014, Sandy sought to honor his memory and keep his legacy alive.
She first established an endowed scholarship at Montana State University in engineering, Bryan’s alma mater, for students from his hometown of Troy, Montana. She then created the Sandra Christine Jensen McDougall Scholarship Endowment in USU’s College of Education and Human Services to reflect her lifelong dedication to teaching. Wanting to give back more, Sandy decided to create the Bryan Coleridge McDougall Scholarship Endowment in USU’s College of Engineering as a tribute to Bryan’s career in engineering in Utah.
Giving Back Through Planned Gifts
Sandy’s commitment to education didn’t end with her scholarships. She learned about the benefits of planned gifts and decided to use her IRA to fund her charitable contributions. By donating her required minimum distributions to charity, Sandy ensures that every penny goes to causes she cares about after she passes. Her planned gifts support 16 different charities, including Utah State University, each chosen to make the world a better place.
“By earning my education at USU, I was able to fulfill my passion for teaching, which truly embodies the essence of life — to learn and to educate others,” Sandy shared. “Since we didn’t have any children of our own, Bryan and I decided to dedicate our legacy to education. With a planned gift to USU, I can ensure that our money is used purposefully to support students. Plus, since planned gifts are exempt from estate taxes, more of our funds will directly benefit the next generation of learners.”
Planned gifts are vital to a university’s long-term success, providing a stable financial foundation that supports scholarships, research, infrastructure, and academic programs. At USU, planned gifts allow donors like Sandy to leave a lasting legacy while maximizing the impact of their contributions, often with tax benefits. Various planned gift options include bequests through a will, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, gifts of business interests, gifts of mineral interests, and designating the university as a beneficiary of retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Each option enables donors to align their philanthropic goals with USU’s mission, ensuring a brighter future for both the institution and its students.
Through her scholarships and charitable donations, Sandy is making a lasting impact on the next generation of students.
“I believe that education is the key to a better world and I am determined to do my part to support it,” Sandy said.
Sandy hopes that the next generation of students will continue to give back to society through education.
“I am concerned about the future and the challenges that young people will face,” Sandy explained. “I want students to learn to think critically, to question the world around them, and to use their knowledge to make a positive difference.”
Love for Utah State University
Sandy’s love for USU is evident in her continued involvement with the university. She cherishes the beautiful campus, the inspiring conversations with educated individuals, and the lifelong friendships she made there.
“I am a proud USU alumna and would encourage anyone and everyone to pursue a degree in higher education,” Sandy said.
In addition to her scholarships, Sandy’s influence lives on through the countless lives she touched as a teacher. Her dedication, passion, and generosity are a testament to the impact one person can have on the world. Sandy’s story is a beautiful example of how love and education can create a lasting legacy.
Create Your Aggie Impact with a planned gift to support student access at Utah State University. Providing the tools and educational experiences to students seeking a brighter future is central to our mission. A gift to student scholarships, programs, and special use funds can change the course of a student’s life and open a world of opportunities after graduation.
Contact
Gina Stonehouse
Director of Development, Education
(435) 797-1992
gina.stonehouse@usu.edu
Tony Ahlstrom
Development Officer, Engineering
(435) 797-0769
tony.ahlstrom@usu.edu