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Sign upTrish Barrigan Scholarship Fund
News / 15.04.2021
I would like to take the opportunity to share with you a scholarship that has been established in the memory of an extraordinary woman, Trish Barrigan. Laura Coleman, Matilda Williams and I established the scholarship with Trish’s alma mater, Boston College. Trish was a co-founder of WIRE and Benson Elliot and supporter of Real Estate Balance who passed away last year. While a donation might not be possible for all of you, I encourage you to read on for inspiration!
Update on the Trish Barrigan Scholarship Fund:
I am pleased to say that we have raised and closed £122,000 for the Trish Barrigan Scholarship Fund (This means that we have reached our first target which is more than 1/2 of the fund which will be £180,000 or $250,000). This was raised by approaching Trish’s closest friends and colleagues in the Real Estate Industry. We would be delighted to have you participate with whatever you could commit. We are delighted that we have surpassed £100,000 by International Woman’s Day which was our goal. After the Scholarship is raised, we will have events several times a year for everyone who donated. Let me know if you have any questions. Following is the summary and the link:
It seems like ages since Trish Barrigan’s funeral. Laura Coleman and Matilda Williams of Benson Elliot/Pinebridge and I have created a special memory and legacy for Trish and it is only fitting to invite you to be a part of this. Following is a summary of how we are doing this:
By now, most will know of Trish’s tragic passing, at the age of just 47. She left us after a long and courageous battle with cancer, diagnosed in the spring of last year. The news saddened those who knew of her struggle, and shocked those who didn’t. Trish was healthy and fit, and there was no one more full of life.
Trish engaged with so many people; she was approachable and took such an interest in others. She gave freely from her deep well of knowledge, led by example, and would never ask of others what she wouldn’t demand of herself. She encouraged, motivated and mentored, leaving behind a powerful legacy through the young professionals she trained and inspired. Trish also left behind a loving family: husband Ian, and children Jack and Grace; and so many friends. All of us continue to grieve, but – as Trish would have wanted – we wish to look forward as well. Part of looking forward is thinking about how to honour Trish’s memory.
Trish spoke often of the important role her time as a student-athlete played in shaping her character and career. She attended Boston College in 1990 on a soccer scholarship. Trish was the goalkeeper and by her sophomore year was captain of the Eagles women’s soccer team, a position she would hold for a further two seasons. She graduated in 1994 with a degree in political science (summa cum laude) and a record as one of the best players in Eagles history (her 323 career saves rank third all-time).
Trish was well-known as a champion for women in real estate: a co-founder of Women in Real Estate (London), a supporter of Real Estate Balance, and a dedicated and valued member of PoWRE. Trish’s talent was obvious to all who worked with her. In 2018 she was named Managing Partner of Benson Elliot, and a year later recognised as ‘European Industry Figure of the Year’ by Private Equity Real Estate. More accolades followed, including a place on PERE's list of 'most influential women in private real estate investing' and her appointment as a Global Governing Trustee of the Urban Land Institute.
Whilst Trish supported many great causes, the footballers of Boston College always held a special place in her heart. We intend to honour Trish’s memory by endowing a women’s soccer scholarship in her name at Boston College: this scholarship will provide young female talent with access to a top tier education, whilst fostering women’s participation in top level (NCAA Division I) soccer.
We ask you to join us in endowing this scholarship and keeping Trish’s spirit alive in this group of young, determined and driven women. Below is the link:
Trish Barrigan Scholarship Fund
Audrey Klein
Head of Fundraising, Europe
Kennedy Wilson Europe