U of S Capital Campaign Surpasses $100 Million

Posted May 04, 2006


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 4, 2006 2006-05-04-OTHER

U of S Capital Campaign Surpasses $100 Million

The University of Saskatchewan's Thinking the World of our Future capital campaign has surpassed the $100-million milestone in donations and now stands at $102,016,183 - and counting.

The announcement was made today by University President Peter MacKinnon at a special donor recognition event attended by Ron and Jane Graham whose $4.78 million donation pushed the campaign over the $100-million mark. Their gift, mainly to the College of Engineering, is the largest personal donation to the University from former students.

Since the campaign was launched, over 25,000 people, corporations and foundations have contributed to the success of the campaign. Funds raised will enhance the student experience, provide financial support in the form of scholarships and bursaries, and improve facilities to provide better opportunities for learning, research and community outreach.

In thanking the Grahams for their generous support, MacKinnon said: "Ron and Jane Graham's gift will provide exciting new opportunities for teaching and learning on campus, strengthen recruitment and retention of students and enhance the student experience for years to come. Their gift is an invaluable legacy to the University."

The Graham's gift includes over $3 million for technical and professional communication studies in the College of Engineering, $1.2 million to build a new clubhouse facility at Griffiths Stadium, $300,000 for student scholarships, and $10,000 for the Huskies basketball teams.

"We want to give back to the University that played such an important role in our lives," said Jane Graham. "Ron and I hope our gift will help others to have just as good a send off on their journeys through life as we had."

"It has been wonderful to rediscover our great University," added Ron Graham. "There are so many exciting things happening at the U of S, I urge all alumni to find something here they care about and then go that extra mile to support it."

That sentiment was echoed by MacKinnon. "Do not for a minute think this campaign is over," he said. "There are still compelling needs and new opportunities, and we will continue working with alumni and friends of the U of S who want to help ensure this institution stands among the very best in the country."

The campaign will continue on through the University's centennial celebrations in 2007.

For more information contact:

Tina Merrifield
Senior Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2213
www.usask.ca/campaign

For progress reports on the campaign, go to:
www.usask.ca/campaign/progress/.

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