WINNIPEG, MB – University of Winnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy and Campaign Chair R.M. (Bob) Kozminski today announced the launch of The University of Winnipeg’s $70-million ‘A World of Opportunity’ Capital Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history.
To date, the Campaign has raised an inspiring $55.5 million towards its campaign goal, Kozminski announced at Capital Campaign’s formal launch in the University’s historically-restored Convocation Hall.
‘A World of Opportunity’ Capital Campaign has already attracted significant lead and advance gifts to support students and key strategic initiatives at The University of Winnipeg. These include significant contributions to establish the Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex and the CanWest Centre for Theatre & Film. As well, donors have come forward to support areas of academic excellence such as the National Centre for Canadian History, Global College and the Innovative Learning Centre, as well as scholarship and bursary programs including the Opportunity Fund and The Collegiate bursary program.
“Our ‘A World of Opportunity’ Capital Campaign focuses on our strengths and traditions and builds on our vision for the future of The University of Winnipeg,” said Dr. Axworthy. “This vision centres on academic excellence, Aboriginal education, environmental studies and sustainability, and theatre and arts. The University of Winnipeg is boldly moving forward as a leader in these areas and a successful Capital Campaign will make a real difference in the lives of our students—and of our city and province.”
A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign Chair Bob Kozminski called on the citizens of Winnipeg to join business leaders who have already demonstrated their support for the enhancement and development of The University of Winnipeg and its program.
“As we move into the public phase of the Capital Campaign, this is an unprecedented opportunity for alumni, students, friends and supporters of The University of Winnipeg to partner with us as we shape the University into a national centre of academic excellence,” he said.
Among its many priorities, the Campaign will focus on making a university education accessible to youth who might not otherwise have this chance by showcasing The University of Winnipeg’s Opportunity Fund – a unique bursary program that will provide tuition credits and bursaries to students from Aboriginal, inner-city and war affected and refugee populations. There will also be opportunities to support students in areas of emerging academic excellence such as Indigenous education, science and environmental studies, history, theatre and arts, as well as students from The University of Winnipeg’s Collegiate high school.
A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign will also encourage donors to support innovative campus development projects including the Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex – a state-of-the art facility to be built on Portage Avenue between Langside and Furby Streets – the CanWest Centre for Theatre and Film, as well as a proposed new student housing building and child care facility.
“The Province of Manitoba is pleased to be participating in The University of Winnipeg’s A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign,” said the Hon. Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy. “Through our support of the University’s new Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, the CanWest Centre for Theatre and Film, as well as a number of other capital projects through our Specified Fund, our government is demonstrating our commitment to investing in the future of post-secondary education in this province. We also share The University of Winnipeg’s goal of making university education more accessible through its new Opportunity Fund.”
UWinnipeg Chancellor H. Sanford Riley said the continuing evolution of The University of Winnipeg into a highly respected and innovative provider of post-secondary education in Canada stands as an inspiration to all Winnipeggers.
“We have a gem in the heart of our city that contributes on the local and global stage in many areas including as a leader in academic excellence, Aboriginal education, sustainability and environmental studies and in the field of theatre and the arts. I encourage you to share in, and contribute, to our success,” he said.
“This is an extraordinary Campaign. We are inspired by the leadership and momentum being built by our Foundation Board and University President together with our entire University community,” said University of Winnipeg Foundation President and C.E.O. Susan Thompson. “Today marks the start of the public phase of our Campaign where every gift brings us closer to the goal of opening the doors to a World of Opportunity for our students.”
For further information on The University of Winnipeg’s ‘A World of Opportunity’ Capital Campaign, please visit www.uwinnipegcampaign.ca today or call 204-786-9995.
Located in the heart of downtown, The University of Winnipeg is a compact, diverse, multi-cultural academic community committed to access and excellence. Home to more than 9,200 full- and part-time students, UWinnipeg has been ranked by our graduates in the Top-10 of all Canadian universities when asked about their “Entire Educational Experience” (MacLean’s Graduate Survey, June 2007). The Globe & Mail Report Card 2007 gives the University of Winnipeg an overall “A” grade in the areas of quality of education, teaching quality, class sizes, faculty-student interaction and the availability of faculty outside of classroom hours. Find out why. Visit www.uwinnipeg.ca.
Established in 2003, The University of Winnipeg Foundation is dedicated to fundraising in support of The University of Winnipeg and its Collegiate. Board Members of The University of Winnipeg Foundation include Chair H. Sanford Riley, Campaign Chair R.(M.) Bob Kozminski, and Ida G. Albo, Leonard Asper, University President Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Chancellor Emeritus Dr. W. John A. Bulman, President Emeritus Dr. Henry E. Duckworth, Paul D.K. Fraser, Board of Regents Chair Rev. Terry Hidichuk, Dr. Douglas W. Leatherdale, Gisele MacDonald, Collegiate Campaign Chair Dr. James D. MacDonald, Dr. Joseph E. Martin, Randall L. Moffat, James A. Richardson, and Carole M. Wylie.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilana Simon, Communications Officer, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7129, C: 204.782.3279, E: i.simon@uwinnipeg.ca
