$2-million to build high-performance track program

McMaster University has received $2-million, bequeathed by philanthropist Mona Campbell, to enhance and build an elite track and field program which will attract student athletes from across the country.

The gift will be used to fund coaching, training programs, scholarships for athletes, tutoring, recruiting and travel to special competitions.

“We are very grateful to Mona Campbell, who has left a remarkable legacy of giving that will benefit student athletes for many years to come,” said Patrick Deane, President of McMaster University. “This will help McMaster strengthen an already excellent program and ensure our students have access to the best possible education, training and facilities.”

Campbell, who died in 2008 at the age of 89, was chair and CEO of Dover Industries, which she inherited from her father when she was 33. At the time of her death, the company was Canada's largest flour-milling operation with revenues of $228-million and 500 employees. She was also the first female director of the Toronto-Dominion Bank and received an honorary degree from McMaster's DeGroote School of Business in 2003.

She was a well-known philanthropist, giving to numerous arts and animal welfare programs. Supporting young athletes was also important to Campbell, whose father ran track for the University of Toronto.

“This remarkable gift will certainly help achieve our goal of becoming one of the elite athletic programs in all of North America,” said Jeff Giles, director of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster. “As a direct result of this gift we are pleased to announce that Paula Schnurr will be taking on an expanded role within our department, becoming the new head coach of our track and field team.”

Schnurr, a McMaster graduate and two-time Olympian, was the assistant coach of the team for the last three years and brings a wealth of experience to the program. She competed in the 1500-metre run in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, and won a silver medal in the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

“I am excited for this wonderful opportunity, thankful to Mona Campbell for being a visionary who was committed to track and field, and hopeful that her gift will allow us to create even greater opportunities for our athletes,” said Schnurr.

In addition to Schnurr, the coaching staff and team will continue to benefit from the involvement of Rory Sneyd, assistant coach. As head coach for the last four years, he has been instrumental in positioning McMaster as one of the top track schools in Canada. He will continue as the head coach of the cross country team.