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(Wolfville, NS) -
Acadia University today celebrated the success of the Tides are
Turning Capital Campaign in Toronto, its first significant
fundraising effort in more than 10 years, and one of its most
aggressive. Campaign Chair and Chair of the Acadia Board of
Governors, Ron Smith (’71) announced the University has raised
$34.2M towards its $50M goal.
The announcement was
made during a celebration held at The Sutton Place Hotel. Toronto
Campaign Chair Bruce Galloway and former vice chairman of the Royal
Bank was joined by more than 100 donors, alumni, and friends
including the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Acadia alumnus.
“The ultimate goal of
this capital campaign is very simple. We are going to change the
nature of a liberal education in Canada,” said Dr. Gail
Dinter-Gottlieb, President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University.
“We are going to take an already enduring reputation for excellence
and innovation and enhance it even further.”
Through the campaign,
Acadia will develop a 21st century model for post-secondary
education based on community engagement in teaching and learning and
by applying the notion of environmental stewardship to all
disciplines. “Acadia is taking the lead, recognizing that
universities should have a powerful impact, not only on students but
also on their local, national and global communities,” said Dr.
Dinter-Gottlieb.
“Acadia’s reputation
as an innovative and forward thinking university continues to add
value to the degrees held by alumni all over the world,” said Mr.
Galloway. “The Acadia experience, where students get to know their
professors and form lifetime friendships, is one that few Canadian
universities offer. The goal of this campaign is to make sure Acadia
is well-positioned financially to educate the next generation of
students.”
The Tides are Turning
Campaign priorities include:
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The west campus
redevelopment, including the new biology building and a renovated
Patterson Hall, will add 45,000 square feet of new laboratory and
classroom space and update the 1920s era Patterson Hall.
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The K.C. Irving
Environmental Trust will support the operations of the K.C. Irving
Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical
Gardens, its programs and community outreach. The Trust Fund will
bolster Acadia University’s ability to be a champion of
environmental education at the post-secondary level.
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The Learning Commons
and academic initiatives will support faculty through research,
allowing them to explore new methods of teaching. The Learning
Commons, located in McConnell Hall, will be the catalyst to help
achieve these goals.
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Student life will be
enhanced with new and renovated residences, expanded common areas,
extracurricular opportunities and fitness facilities.
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Student financial aid
in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards, will ensure
access for all potential and current students. There is also a
special emphasis on scholar athletes.
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The campaign committee
in Toronto has raised more than $300,000. Halifax has been actively
supporting the campaign with over $500,000 raised. Acadia’s former
varsity athletes have also formed several committees and have so far
raised $1.2M.
Almost 200 volunteers
throughout North America and around the world are working on the
Tides are Turning Capital Campaign during the five-year pledge
period.
Acadia University, in
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, is recognized as one of Canada’s premier
undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and internationally
recognized research initiatives, small class sizes, and its
technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers
students a personalized education that includes rigorous academic
programs combined with personal growth and development. For more
information about Acadia, visit our website at
www.acadiau.ca.
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