Meet the Community Campaign volunteers
This year's Community Campaign, Making Change for McMaster, invites faculty and staff to “create change” for McMaster by making a donation to the University. Seven faculty and staff volunteers from across campus are leading the Community Campaign and encouraging their peers to make a gift to McMaster.
Volunteers are inviting their colleagues to find a project of importance to them and support it by making a donation. There are a number of possible projects to support, including bursaries, scholarships, a particular Faculty, Athletics & Recreation or McMaster's Greatest Needs. For information on additional opportunities, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at ext. 24224.
For many of the Community Campaign volunteers, their interactions with students or their own experience as McMaster students has prompted them to “make change” for McMaster.
Brad Coburn, marketing and promotions coordinator:
“By facilitating academic and personal growth, we as faculty and staff play a critical role in our students' success and the influence their university experience has on their lives. We believe in what we do, and we are committed to supporting the future leaders of our communities. Making a small gift to the University is one way in which we can walk our talk.”
Catherine Connelly, assistant professor:
“Many years ago, when I was an undergraduate student in the business school at McMaster, I was very fortunate to receive some scholarships. Although I certainly appreciated the financial support, I was actually most grateful for the encouragement that the scholarships represented to me. I am very happy that my donation to scholarships will assist future students to pursue their own dreams.”
“Working for the School of Graduate Studies, I meet students every day who inspire me to give back to McMaster. Contributing to graduate scholarship support helps to acknowledge our students' accomplishments and reward their commitment to excellence.”
Jennifer Kleven, community education coordinator:
“McMaster is more than just my employer — it is my alma mater, the place where I got married, where I gave birth to my children, where I've met some of my best friends — I have many fond memories here. I'm very proud to say I work at Mac, and equally proud to say that I'm supporting important research here. I believe McMaster brings a multitude of benefits to the Hamilton community and I want to support the good work that is being done here.”
Tim Louks, Women's Volleyball coach:
“Today's students require a university to do more, do it better and refuse complacency. What an exciting and extremely demanding environment. If each of us contributes a little, we can continue to evolve and respond to the needs of our students. Our legacy is our students — let us do a little.”
Fiona McNeill, chair, Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences:
“I'm proud that I'm involved with the delivery of high quality degree programs at McMaster. I support programs as a faculty member and as a donor. I personally made the decision to contribute to a scholarship for undergraduate students. Private support is important as it contributes to the quality of education and the quality of life of students at McMaster. Our students are equipped to make a difference in the lives of others when they graduate. We should make sure we support them as much as we can toward that endeavour.”
Mark Patel, programmer:
“As an alumnus who graduated from McMaster six years ago, I realize the difficulties of paying off phone bills, student debt, a mortgage and other expenses, but it's also important for me to help others and give back to McMaster. With proper planning, I am able to give to McMaster and other charities.”
This year's goal is to receive 650 donations from faculty and staff before Dec. 31, 2007. To make your contribution, you can fill out the pledge card you received in your Community Campaign package or you can make your gift online by going to givetomcmaster.ca.
