The University of Calgary (U of C)’s fundraising total of $123.7 million for the 2012-13 academic year has broken the university’s record, shattering its previous totals.
The numbers were released in U of C’s 2013 community report, which was delivered by university president Elizabeth Cannon Sept. 25. These figures placed the school amongst the top five Canadian post-secondary institutions for annual fundraising totals.
Donations come from a broad spectrum of individuals in the community, according to Leanne Yohemas, manager of media relations for the university.
This ranges from individuals and corporations to current students and alumni, she said. All donations are voluntary, but are a result of active fundraising on the university’s part, as well as spontaneous giving.
“This record year of fundraising reflects our focus on development efforts over many years and our strong engagement with the Calgary community,” Yohemas said via an email.
“Donor funding can never replace the core capital and operating funding the provincial government provides,” she said.
Yohemas said donor gifts go toward a variety of aspects of the university, including scholarships, cultural and athletic programs, campus expansions and renovations, and enhancing the overall student experience.
Funds will also help programs such as Energy Innovations for Today and Tomorrow, the new energy research strategy that will focus on shaping energy investigation.
Rounding out the total with the largest single gift in the university’s history was the $40 million donation by the philanthropists Don and Ruth Taylor to establish the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, as stated in the university’s report.
“The Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning will transform student learning – through this new one-of-a-kind institute the university will take the lead in educational innovation by researching the most effective methods for engaging students,” Yohemas said.
She said U of C’s gift agreements would not allow the Taylors any sway over academic decisions related to the program, or any part of university operations.
