Queen's University launches Initiative Campaign

KINGSTON, ON, Sept. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Queen's University is launching the Initiative Campaign - the most ambitious campaign in its 171-year history - with an initial fundraising goal of half a billion dollars and an extra $100 million in planned estate giving. More than 59 per cent of the initial fundraising goal was raised prior to officially launching the campaign with almost $300 million donated to date.

"This is a decisive moment in Queen's history," says Principal Daniel Woolf, Artsci'80. "The Initiative Campaign, through the power of philanthropy, is about investing in the people of Queen's who - like the generations before them - will not waver in their pursuit of excellence. It's about unleashing the potential of our thinkers and doers.  We have an opportunity to earn the confidence and support of the Queen's family and friends, and to inspire a generation of supporters to come forward and make their mark on the university now."

The recent Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan form the basis of the Initiative Campaign's broad goal of providing an environment where opportunity meets excellence. Four key themes underpin the campaign. These are to:

• be the destination for exceptional people;
• enhance our students' learning experiences;
• secure our global reputation in discovery and inquiry; and
• nurture a supportive community.

Some of the campaign priorities include: a student life centre/wellness centre; campus-wide student assistance; and an innovation and global leadership initiative.

Physical and mental wellness are essential to student success - both in academics and in life. A new centre would bring health, counselling and disability services together, and augment them with dental care, nutrition education and other related services.

The aim of the innovation and global leadership initiative is to develop the innovators who will fuel the success of technology-driven companies, and provide direct solutions for corporate challenges and incubation for start-ups.

Campus-wide student assistance funding will dramatically increase our merit- and need-based assistance for students from all programs and years.

Gordon Nixon, Com'79, LLD'03, President and CEO of RBC, is the campaign's volunteer chair working with 140 volunteer cabinet members. Several high-profile initiatives have been made possible already as a result of campaign donations since 2006 including: the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts currently under construction; the recently completed School of Medicine Building; the Goodes Hall expansion; and the RBC Blue Water Initiative.

"The generosity of our benefactors has provided the Initiative Campaign with tremendous momentum," says Tom Harris, Sc'75, Vice-Principal (Advancement). "Over the next four years, we look forward to engaging our alumni and friends around the world and earning their support for the ideas, inventions and discoveries of Queen's people who care about the world around them and take the initiative for change."

The marquee event will be streamed live at http://streaming.queensu.ca/vmp/html/queenslive.html

Queen's will host regional launches to tell the story of Queen's and the Initiative Campaign in Calgary on October 3, Toronto on October 10, and Ottawa on October 18.

A full list of priorities is included on the Queen's Initiative Campaign website.

SOURCE: Queen's University

For further information:

Contact Queen University's Communications Officer:

Michael Onesi
[e-mail]
613-533-6000 ext 77513