The McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS) has announced a $1-million gift inspired by President Peter George. The announcement was made during a gala event to celebrate George's legacy at McMaster during his 15 years as president and vice-chancellor.

The gift will help fund a new liberal arts building, which has been a priority for George. It will provide much needed space for current and new undergraduate, graduate and research programs in Social Sciences and Humanities.

In making the announcement, Sam Minniti, executive director of MAPS, spoke of George's strong ties to the Association, including his pivotal role in fundraising for the student centre, his commitment to lifelong learning, and his deep roots in the liberal arts as an economics graduate, a professor and the former dean of social sciences.

"Under Dr. George's leadership, both as a dean and as the president, part-time students have always been a valued part of the University family," said Minniti. "He has planned for and accommodated the part-time student cohort and has worked to ensure that McMaster is among the best Canadian universities for part-time students."

The Association - which represents some 3,000 part-time students each term - also hopes the first will mean greater accessibility to courses for its members, who must balance career, family and their studies.

"The part-time students really enrich our learning environment and bring a wonderful perspective to the classroom," says Elaine Marion, president of MAPS. "Dr. George will leave this university with a wonderful legacy as a relentless advocate for their interests. They have benefitted directly from his vision and will continue to do so with the construction of the new liberal arts building."

MAPS has a long history of giving to McMaster University. When combined with government-matching funds, MAPS has donated more than $3.3-million, supporting everything from student bursaries, to capital projects such as the McMaster University Student Centre and Mills Memorial Library.

"This gift is an important commitment to training a whole new generation of scholars," said Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences. "It comes at a time when the world is changing rapidly. Through this gift, part-time students have helped to ensure that our scholars are equipped with the analytical and research tools needed to engage our community and beyond, and to drive innovation in our teaching."

"We are truly grateful to the part-time students for their investment in the liberal arts building, which holds much promise for the future," says Suzanne Crosta, dean of humanities. "It provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to flourish in this period of expansion and renewal, and to take full advantage of new integrated research initiatives and collaborations."

The gift from MAPS was inspired by McMaster chancellor Lynton (Red) Wilson, who donated $10-million to the liberal arts building in 2007.

More than 1,000 people attended the event, which included a tribute at Hamilton Place followed by a reception at the Convention Centre. George, who has worked at McMaster for 45 years, is set to retire at the end of June.

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