October 24, 2008
McMaster closing in on goal of $400-million
$327-million raised so far in fundraising campaign
Hamilton, Ont. Oct. 24, 2008—McMaster University has raised more than three-quarters of its $400-million fundraising goal. It is the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the University’s history, and the largest campaign ever mounted in the greater Hamilton area.
Peter George, president of McMaster University, confirmed to students, staff and faculty gathered this afternoon in the David Braley Athletic Centre that The Campaign for McMaster University had secured more than $327-million of its goal of $400-million.
“What a milestone!” George told an enthusiastic crowd of more than 400. The fundraising total to date – $327,576,583 – was flashed on screens and trumpeted with confetti canons at the climax of a collective drumming celebration lead by facilitators from the Drum Café.
“This is a vitally important campaign,” said George. “McMaster is already recognized as one of the top 100 universities in the world, and the Campaign’s success will allow us to reach even higher.”
The Campaign is focused on raising more funds for student financial aid, retaining and attracting the next generation of research scientists and scholars, and providing lecture halls, libraries and labs to foster innovative teaching, learning and research.
“When McMaster succeeds, Hamilton succeeds, and the Campaign’s success brings new investment and new potential to the City and the province,” adds George.
Canadian business icon and philanthropist Ron Joyce is the chair of The Campaign for McMaster University.
“It’s easy to be enthusiastic about McMaster,” said Joyce. “We’ve had tremendous support and when you share the stories about the great students, faculty researchers, and the vision of the University, people want to be a part of that success.”
Roger Trull, vice-president, University Advancement, acknowledged the challenges of fundraising during the current economic climate.
“McMaster has a strong tradition of fundraising success, from the time when the City raised $500,000 to bring McMaster to Hamilton at the height of the Depression, to our Centennial Campaign, and the Changing Tomorrow Today Campaign that raised $128-million,” says Trull. “We still have a ways to go but we have momentum and we know we’re going to make our goal.”
The Campaign kicked off in June, 2006, with a four-year goal of $400-million, the largest in the University's history. The University’s board of governors approved a set of strategic academic priorities for the fundraising campaign following an extensive priority setting process involving senior leaders, faculty and staff across campus.
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For more information about the event or to request an interview please contact:
Jane Christmas
Manager, Public & Media Relations
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext 27988
Michelle Donovan
Manager: Broadcast Media
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext 22869