It has been inspiring to see Laurier’s faculty, staff and students return to our campuses for the first full academic year since 2020. Many of us feel a renewed sense of optimism and connection, and a sense of purpose as we work together in teaching, learning, and research, tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges.
“Though I will stumble and come across challenges which may seem impossible to solve, I will pick myself up and tackle each challenge, one at a time. My voice is an amazing gift and I intend to use this gift for the greater good,” said Meghan, a Faculty of Music student who was a recipient of the Ross and Doris Dixon Music Scholarship, which recognizes students who show outstanding promise in music.
Meghan is one of the many students who persevered not only through the pandemic, but through the nearly completed Making Space for Music renovations.
“Being in the program during renovations had its complications at first … but after a while I got used to it. It was rather thrilling seeing the progress over the past few months as we make space for music.”
As a second-year student, Meghan will be able to enjoy the beautiful new space in the years to come.
Students like Meghan demonstrate a resilience, strength and vision that should make us all feel hopeful for a future where they will lead.
They didn’t do it alone. You were, and continue to be, there to help them. Thank you.
Your donations to awards, programming, capital campaigns and more boosted their confidence, bolstered their resources and let them know:
We are stronger than ever, and our strengths will lead the way.
I hope you will enjoy learning more about the impact of donor giving in 2022/23, including stories about donor-supported renovations to our beloved Alumni Field; Sun Life Financial’s gift in support of Laurier’s Centre for Healthy Communities; the City of Waterloo’s support for Making Space for Music, as part of the City’s long-term plan for exciting updates to the streetscape along University Avenue; the visionary new partnership between Laurier and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) RBJ Schlegel Family Foundation to create the Schlegel Research Chair in Music Therapy and Aging; and beloved Brantford community champion Paul Williamson, who shares that philanthropy is about acts of kindness.
Through these stories, and many others from the past year, you will see how your support - your acts of kindness - make a difference.
And as we plan ahead for the coming year at Laurier, you can look forward with pride to the completion of the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building, the continued development of One Market in Brantford, and the launch of programming on our new Milton Campus.
We’re also moving ahead with our Seagram Drive Athletics and Recreation Project in Waterloo, which will set in motion the first of many proposed improvements to our Athletics and Recreation facilities and set a new standard for health and wellness culture on campus.
In supporting projects like these, and many more, you demonstrate faith in a bright future, and dedication to a vibrant present.You are truly helping us help students.
Thank you for all you do for Laurier students.
Sincerely,
Deborah MacLatchy
President and Vice-Chancellor
Wilfrid Laurier University
70 students granted studentships (valued $1000 each) starting their Bachelor of Education in Brantford.
$3,715,605.24 granted to 2060 students through 648 unique awards, scholarships and bursaries.
78,000 sqft of recreation space and 5,000 hours of student recreation time on the newly renovated Alumni Field.
$109,320 donated by 347 donors and the Alumni Association to the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
$40,893 donated by 243 donors in support of student mental health.
$100,695 donated by 467 donors to the Leanne Holland Brown Student Emergency Fund.
Made possible thanks to donor support:
1,200 sqft of new practice studio space for music students.
2,200 sqft of renovated practice studio space for music students.
2,660 sqft of new performance space.
Donors help to ensure Laurier graduates are ready for the real world and ready to leave their mark. Explore how our donors continue to make an impact.
The Laurier Philanthropy Award is an annual award presented in recognition and celebration of an individual, corporation or foundation whose generosity has contributed significantly to the advancement of Laurier.
Recipients of this award exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy.
Through their direct financial support, leadership and donation of time, each recipient demonstrates a deep-seated and lasting dedication to the mission, vision and values of the university.
