UWinnipeg Celebrates the Grand Opening of Leatherdale Hall
After nearly two years of planning, fundraising and construction, The University of Winnipeg Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the highly anticipated Leatherdale Hall. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we had the pleasure of welcoming donors, staff, and faculty to gather in the new addition to Wesley Hall for food, drinks, conversation, and tours from Bridgman Collaborative Architecture.
“Doug credited this institution with changing his life,” says Louise Leatherdale, widow of the late Dr. Douglas Leatherdale. “This campus has always held a special place in our hearts, so to have the opportunity to give back and be a part of this community for so many years is truly an honour.”
“The Leatherdale family passion for education and building capacity in our community is an inspiration to all of us,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor.
“Leatherdale Hall is a bright and welcoming space that encourages conversations and connections, both for our students and the broader community.”
This modern addition was made possible by the lead gift of $2.5 million from Louise and the late Dr. Douglas Leatherdale. After receiving this generous donation, the Leatherdale Hall fundraising campaign, led by Dr. Jim MacDonald and Dr. Jim Richardson, exceeded its original goal and raised an astounding $1,528,002.25 in total. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of 164 donors from alumni, faculty, staff, students and other members of the community.
Tom Schock and Louise Leatherdale
Connected to Convocation Hall, the beautiful two-storey building can seat 150 people and can be converted into a lecture hall, reception area and break-out room for conferences. It also includes much-needed wheelchair access to Wesley Hall, as well as the resurrection of Tony’s Canteen, a central hub for students that had been missing from campus for nearly a decade.
Named after Tony Kozyra, Tony’s Canteen was a meeting place for faculty, students and graduates from 1936 - 2007. Whenever there were late-night events or students studying for exams, Tony kept the canteen open long after midnight and many graduates can still recall the free cup of coffee from Tony when he knew tuition was due. Once considered the heart of our campus, it provided a strong sense of community and identity for many.
“In times past, Tony’s was the central hub of life at The Collegiate,” says Collegiate Dean Robert Bend.
“Students met there to work, to plan, to debate, to eat, and to get to know each other. In Tony’s, teachers met with their students and each other; they even held small seminars around the tables at the back. Tony’s was a place where students and faculty bonded and it was there one could feel the spirit of The Collegiate.”
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and those who worked tirelessly, including the many volunteers, Leatherdale Hall will give current and future UWinnipeg students, faculty and staff a similar experience while on campus.
Along with the Leatherdales, lead donors include:
Estate of Mr. Wallace C. Schram – $250,000
Jim and Roberta MacDonald – $250,000
Jim and Leney Richardson – $100,000
The Richardson Foundation – $100,000
Hartley Richardson – $50,000
Danny Bubis and Jennifer Blumenthal -$50,000
Barry and Elane Talbot – $50,000
The Winnipeg Foundation – $50,000
Qualico Developments – $50,000
Leonard and Susan Asper – $50,000
Gordon Denford – $50,000
Johnston Group – $50,000
Earl Shepherd – $50,000
Bryce and Nikki Douglas -$50,000
Sandy and Deborah Riley – $50,000
Gail Asper, Michael, Stephen and Jonathan Paterson – $50,000
Anonymous – $25,000
Michael Sydney Gray – $25,000
Robert and Deirdre Kozminski – $25,000
Raymond and Lynne-Anne McFeetors – $25,000
Moffat Family Fund – $23,000
Larry and Carolyn Hursh – $20,000
Birks Family Foundation – $15,000
Annette Trimbee and Kevin Trimbee -$10,000
Ross Robinson – $10,000
Ashish Modha and Chalnessa Eames – $10,000
*Please click here to view the full list of donors.
Leatherdale Hall project management is by UWinnipeg Community Renewal Corporation; the architect is Bridgman Collaborative Architecture; and construction is by Manshield Construction.
The University of Winnipeg would also like to thank Diversity Food Services for catering this event, and The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts for the musical performance.