50 Years of Impact: Celebrating the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union Golden Anniversary
2025 marks a major milestone for the Laurier community as the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union celebrates its 50th anniversary — a half-century of championing student voices, fostering leadership and giving back to the university in remarkable ways.
Since its founding on April 16, 1975, the Students’ Union at Laurier has been committed to providing the best student experience to its 19,000 undergraduate student members. As part of that commitment, the Students’ Union has been a dedicated philanthropic partner to the university, donating more than $34 million to enhance student life, academic opportunities and campus development.
“On behalf of Laurier, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the Students’ Union as it marks 50 years of playing an essential role in building and upholding student life at Laurier,” says David McMurray, Laurier’s vice-president of Student Affairs. “By supporting hundreds of student clubs and societies, the Students’ Union has helped countless students ‘find their fit’ on campus, cultivating a sense of belonging and engagement that extends far beyond the classroom.”
Among the Students’ Union’s recent philanthropic contributions are:
- Scholarships and bursaries – Hundreds of Laurier students receive financial support every year thanks to the Students’ Union’s support of student awards, including bursaries and scholarships like the Students’ Union We Are Hawks Bursary and the Students’ Union Student VIP Bursary.
- Laurier Brantford YMCA – In 2014, the Students’ Union donated $3.6 million to help build the Laurier Brantford YMCA Athletics and Recreation Centre, which provides vital health, fitness, social and recreation supports for students.
- Seagram Stadium and Alumni Field – The Students’ Union has supported enhancements to Ansley Alumni Field and Seagram Stadium renovations. Both donations are critical investments in student wellness and wellbeing on the Waterloo campus.
Through the Student Life Levy, which is funded directly through the generosity of Laurier undergraduate students, the Students’ Union supports special one-time projects that enhance the undergraduate student experience. Examples include Laurier Brantford’s Student Centre multi-purpose room, CityStudent Brantford, and renovations to the Turret on the Waterloo campus.
“The Students’ Union at Laurier has set an extraordinary example of student-led philanthropy over the past 50 years, and Laurier is truly grateful for their unwavering support,” says Jason Coolman, Laurier’s vice-president of Advancement and External Relations. “Their generosity, which amounts to more than $34 million, has directly contributed to transformative projects across our campuses. It’s a testament to the powerful role students play in shaping the future of Laurier.”
The Students’ Union acts as a steward of student contributions made through fees and is responsible for ensuring those funds are used to support a healthy, well-rounded and successful student experience. Working in partnership with Laurier, the Students’ Union delivers on this commitment by remaining accountable to their student members.
“The Students’ Union offers opportunities for students to gain skills, experience and confidence that serve them long after graduation,” says McMurray. “It also instills a lifelong commitment to community and leadership, which is at the very heart of Laurier’s exceptional student experience.”