Reception Celebrates Campus Generosity

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, more than 100 guests gathered in the Power Corporation Atrium of the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex for a Campus Donor Recognition Cocktail Reception. The event honoured UWinnipeg faculty, staff, retirees, and friends who have given in support of the University.

Dr. R. M. (Bob) Kozminski, Vice Chair of The University of Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors, spoke to the important leadership role of campus donors in inspiring gifts from alumni, friends, and corporate donors. He also acknowledged the University’s extraordinary legacy of internal generosity: over $4.9 million given as part of the A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign; more than 400 campus donors to the 2008 Campaign to Raise Current Funds; and most recently, over $800,000 counted towards the 2015 Campus Campaign.

Bob Kozminski, © UWinnipeg Foundation

In addition to their financial contributions, many donors have also volunteered their time and energy to strengthen support for student awards and other areas of need on campus. On behalf of The University of Winnipeg Foundation, Brian Daly, President and CEO, gratefully recognized one such champion, Orval Voakes, for his dedicated leadership as the founding Staff Co-Chair for UWinnipeg’s internal Campus Campaign. Voakes retired this spring following 33 years of service as the Coordinator of Mail Services.

Orval Voakes, © UWinnipeg Foundation

UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Annette Trimbee shared several recent campus highlights, including the unveiling of the University’s Strategic Directions, the much-anticipated resurrection of Tony’s Canteen in the new Leatherdale Hall, and preparations for the University’s 50th anniversary in 2017. She also referred to the University’s next capital campaign, with emphasis on investing in the following:

Existing campus infrastructure;
Supporting student retention;
Strengthening research and experiential learning opportunities for faculty, staff, and students; and
Communicating these activities to the broader community.

Thank you to everyone who attended for being a part of this special evening. To all members of UWinnipeg’s campus community: you are the cornerstone of the University and contribute immeasurably to its capacity for excellence, accessibility, and participation in community. Thank you for all that you do!

To view more photos of the event, please click here.