Emphasis on increased participation among faculty and staff
By Neale McDevitt
On May 4, McGill is throwing a party – at both campuses – and everyone is invited. The celebration will mark the end of a yearlong series of events planned by the Campus Community Committee (CCC) designed to bring together faculty and staff in an informal atmosphere.
The University-wide celebration will also serve as the official launch of the Campus Community Campaign – the staff and faculty portion of Campaign McGill, which in its entirety seeks to raise $750-million toward the University’s top academic priorities.
Robyn Wiltshire, Director, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and CCC co-chair, said that although people will be asked to give, what counts most is participation. “We understand that these are difficult financial times and people will give according to their own means,” she said. “We will measure the success of the staff and faculty portion of the campaign through increased participation numbers.”
These numbers play an important role in external fundraising, as potential donors respond well when they hear that a large number of staff and faculty members support the University. “It shows them that we have confidence in what we do here,” Wiltshire said. “It is a compelling statement.”
People can direct their gifts to specific fundraising projects, including within three overarching themes: student support; campus sustainability; and campus beautification. Donors can also chose to target their gift to other areas altogether.
“If you have a philanthropic idea, you can express it through the University,” Wiltshire said, “whether it is with the Goodman Cancer Centre; community-based projects; or making sure that students who are qualified and actually gain admission to the University aren’t turned away because they can’t afford it.”
Wiltshire said that the CCC’s efforts to foster a sense of community among McGillians have been met with great success. Events ranging from breakfasts to caroling at McLennan Library to a magic of chemistry demonstration by Ariel Fenster to the Macdonald Campus Valentine’s dance have drawn more than 3,000 participants. “Our six Lunch and Learn sessions basically sold out as soon as we announced them,” she said.
The Downtown Campus celebration kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at New Residence Hall and offers the chance to hear a live concert by McGill’s own The Diminished Faculties rock band, including Wiltshire on vocals. Downtown Campus celebration 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. New Residence Hall 3625 Avenue du Parc.
The Macdonald Campus celebration begins at 4 p.m. at the Link Café (Macdonald-Stewart Building entrance) and offers the opportunity to enjoy musical performances from several of Mac’s own faculty and staff members. Macdonald Campus celebration 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Link Café (Macdonald-Stewart Building entrance)
To learn more about the CCC, visit www.mcgill.ca/campuscommunity.