BU administrators pledge $50K for BU50 fundraising drive

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/12/2017 (2316 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Members of the President’s Administrative Council have pledged a total of $50,000 to the Brandon University Foundation for its current fundraising appeal.

PAC is an 18-member group made up of senior-level administrators, including deans and directors, who meet every two weeks to consider matters of importance to the university and to advise the president on suggested courses of action.

“As BU celebrates the 50th anniversary of receiving its charter as a university, as it continues a remarkable five-year streak of growth, and as it embarks with a new Campus Master Plan on a transformative downtown expansion, now is an ideal time for donors to make a difference by contributing to BU through the Brandon University Foundation,” states a press release.

Support from PAC includes donations as well as pledges to give through automatic payroll deduction. Many members who had already been giving are now increasing their amounts.

“I am humbled by this show of dedication and love for our university, and I am proud to be one of the faculty and staff contributing to this appeal,” said interim president Steve Robinson. “I find it truly remarkable how individual contributions can so quickly add up to such a significant amount.”

According to the university’s communications department, the $50,000 will help support many causes identified through this year’s annual fund appeal. These include options to fund scholarships, to support particular faculties or the library, to invest in university priorities like Indigenization or research and innovation, and to advance new initiatives like the Campus Master Plan and Brandon College Heritage Fund.

All faculty and staff have been invited to contribute to this year’s fundraising appeal — much of which will go to directly support students, research and equipment, areas that are close to the hearts of all members of the BU community.

“Charitable giving is its own reward,” said BU development officer Shawna English. “Still, there is something special about being able to personally see the difference that your donation can make, whether that is through a scholarship, a student travel fund, equipment or a research grant. These are the kinds of immediate and meaningful supports that your gifts make possible.”

Alumni and friends of the university have also embraced this opportunity to fuel the next phase of Brandon University’s success. Early numbers from the annual fund appeal show it on track to set a new fundraising record this year.

“Everyone with a connection to Brandon University knows what a valuable and lasting impact it continues to have on people and on our community,” said BU Foundation president Bill Myers. “I would like to personally thank everyone who chooses to pay that impact forward by helping BU flourish for the future, through donations to the BU Foundation.”

As well as serving as foundation president, Myers is a BU associate of ’68. That class year, the first from the newly chartered Brandon University, will be celebrating their 50-year reunion at the next homecoming, scheduled for Oct. 12-14, 2018. It will be the culmination of a year’s worth of BU50 commemoration.

To donate to the Brandon University Foundation, visit brandonu.ca/give, call 204-727-7374 or visit the BU Foundation office in Clark Hall. Donations can also be arranged through BU payroll deduction. Donations received before the end of the year are eligible for a 2017 tax receipt.

» The Brandon Sun