University of Winnipeg Report to the Community 2012

UWinnipeg Dedicates The Babs Asper Lilac Garden

The Babs Asper Lilac Garden - RenderingThe University of Winnipeg announced the creation of the Babs Asper Lilac Garden in memory of Ruth “Babs” Asper, as a tribute to her philanthropic nature, her commitment to community, and her passion for Winnipeg’s arts and cultural landscape, particularly for theatre and film. Located on Colony Street, this garden serves as a new entry way to the newly renamed Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (formerly known as the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film), UWinnipeg’s state-of-the-art performance, production, and teaching facility for theatre and film students. The garden will be adorned by a variety of trees and lilac bushes, along with benches and a walking path. Lilacs were a favourite of Babs Asper, who passed away in 2011.

The Asper Family committed $3 million to The University of Winnipeg’s “A World of Opportunity” Capital Campaign, which helped to establish the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film in December 2006.