Why I Give: Dave Crook
Tue. Dec. 14, 2021
I came to The University of Winnipeg as a student in 1976. Since then, I have been fortunate to work, study and teach on our campus in a variety of roles. After finishing my time as a student and assistant to the men’s basketball program, I took a job at Mount Allison University. After five years with the Mounties I moved to the University of Lethbridge for twelve seasons—winning the Wesmen Classic with the pronghorns was a definite highlight during my time there. Prior to returning to Winnipeg, I helped lead the Canadian National Basketball Young Men’s team to a bronze medal at the FIBA basketball tournament, which was both a national and tournament first. After returning home to Winnipeg in 2001, 17 years after I first began working with the men’s basketball team at UWinnipeg, I became their head coach. Once I retired from coaching, I worked and taught in the Faculty of Kinesiology. As part of the Wesmen community, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with so many of our outstanding student-athletes and coaches over the years.
What inspires you to give to UWinnipeg and what area of giving interests you most?
I am lucky enough to be in a position where I can give back to this campus as both an alumnus and faculty member at UWinnipeg. Given my collective experience and as someone who has been associated with university work throughout my adult life, I understand that student support rests at the heart of any giving effort, no matter how big or small. I often find myself donating to awards that support our student-athletes. I know how difficult it can be to balance their training, personals lives, jobs and classwork—which is why I want to help them succeed in ways that go beyond my role as Athletic Director.
What contributions are you most proud of, and what would you say to a colleague or peer who is considering donating?
In addition to my support of athletics at UWinnipeg, I am doubly-proud of the efforts my wife Colleen made as part of the “Windows and Doors” campaign with Mcfeeters Hall. Together, we dedicated a room to her Grandmother. As members of the university community, we are fortunate enough to live fantastic lives surrounded by great people. We should all consider giving back so others will have the opportunity to follow in our footsteps.
Read previous "Why I Give" interviews with Catherine Hunter, Jaime Cidro, James Currie, Paul Lawrie, Naniece Ibrahim, Peter J. Miller, Dr. Pauline Greenhill and Dr. Michael Weinrath.
Have further questions? Please see our list of frequently asked questions, or contact Cindy Doyle at c.doyle@uwinnipeg.ca.