Brandon University received its official university status just over 50 years ago, through the Brandon University Act. It was here when the BU as we know it today really started to take shape. The Education Building, the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, McMaster Hall would not have taken place until this time and classes were not even held in the Brodie Building until 1971. The university has certainly been through a lot and seen some big changes, one can only be curious what the next 50 years will bring to this place.
Well I’m not saying you are going to have a major affect on this place the way creating the Health Studies building will, but there is a way you can pay your piece into helping the university out. Through this year alone, from Oct. 12, 2017- Oct. 12, 2018, BU received over $370,000 in donations. BU’s Annual Fund tripled last years amount thanks to the generosity of the community and certain individuals. There were three gifts of $50,000 each. One was from an anonymous gift, another from the BU’s President’s Advisory Committee and the third was a donation to the HLC from BU Board of Governors member Kerry Auriat.
Whether it was the 50th anniversary appeal or people were feeling just extra kind this year, more than 40 people donated for the first time, contributing more than $11,000.
“The funds so generously donated to the Brandon University Foundation will help us enhance our programs and services to students, increase scholarship and bursary support, and help fund our most important needs as they arise,” said BU Interim President Dr. Robinson. “Your generosity goes a long way in improving the student experience for each and every one of our future graduates and leaders.”
This next year BU is hoping to keep that kind of money flowing through the university to help with all its expenses. Since October when the first direct mail went out $55,000 has been received.
Now how does this help/affect you as a student at BU? Well every dollar that goes into the school goes towards student travel opportunities, scholarships and bursaries, needs of the faculties and facilities.
“As tuition and government grants cover only so much, these additional contributions are greatly appreciated,” says BU Development Officer Shawna English. “Our donors help Brandon University build on our foundation as an outstanding academic institution to create a bright future for our students and for all the wider community.”
As students at BU, the expectation you donate at this point of your lives.. probably as slim as your bank account size. However, one day, should you fall into or acquire a boat load of money, donating to the University is easy. You just mail, email, call or check out their site online at the Brandon University Foundation.
Donating to the Brandon University Foundation is easy. You can give online at BrandonU.ca/Give, call 204-727-7374 or visit the Office of Advancement and External Relations in Clark Hall.
Cheques can also be mailed to the BU Foundation at 270–18th Street in Brandon, MB. Donations to the BU Foundation can also be arranged through BU payroll deduction.
Donations received or postmarked before the end of the year are eligible for a 2018 tax receipt.