Source: Acadia University
http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2006/campaignlaunch_13oct.html Acadia University launches Tides are Turning Capital Campaign -- $32.8M raised towards $50M goalOctober 13, 2006
(Wolfville, NS) - Acadia University today launched the Tides are Turning
Capital Campaign, 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 $32.8M towards its $50M goal.
The announcement was made during a celebration ceremony, held at the K.C.
Irving Environmental Science Centre, which included more than 200 campus
members, donors, alumni, and friends. "This is an ambitious campaign and we have a good start, but we are not done
yet. We have a long way to go and some hard work to do. But I know we can
achieve our goal because our volunteers are very committed and
enthusiastic," said Mr. Smith. "I am particularly pleased that our board
members themselves have pledged $7.3M." "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. The Tides are Turning Campaign priorities include: 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. 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. 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. Student life will be enhanced with new and renovated residences,
expanded common areas, extracurricular opportunities and fitness facilities. 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. Campaign committees in the Valley, Halifax and Toronto have raised $1M.
Acadia’s former varsity athletes have formed several committees and have so
far raised over $1M. The campus community has also committed $225,000. 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. -30- For more information contact:
Scott Roberts
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Acadia University
P: 902.585.1705
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