This video, part of the award-winning Together We Can case for philanthropic support developed last year, shows how philanthropy helps to fund research discoveries, open doors for students and enable global programs at UAlberta.
(Edmonton) The University of Alberta raised $119.4 million last fiscal year-second only to the previous year's record of $162.7 million-fuelled by record levels of donations to the faculties of medicine & dentistry and arts.
Over 20,187 individuals, foundations and corporations donated in 2012-13, including 4,700 first-time donors. The results come as the university has increased its commitment to engaging with alumni and donors, and deepening and broadening its philanthropic outreach efforts over the past few years.
"Our donors continue to make a strong statement about their support for a vibrant and healthy University of Alberta," says President Indira Samarasekera. "We are honoured by their support and their desire to see our alumni, students, staff, teachers and researchers succeed. They've made it clear that they believe in our mission."
Planned giving, in which people leave gifts to the university in their will, contributed $29.1 million to the overall total. Especially notable was a $5-million gift from Paulette and Tony Lashuk. After retiring from successful careers in the corporate world, the couple decided to leave a legacy that satisfies their desire to be a part of something bigger in the future.
"I feel great that maybe we'll be part of some innovation down the road," says Paulette. "Alberta is very fortunate. We've got a lot of resources, but that may not always be the case. This gift is our way of encouraging diversification of our economy."
Last year also saw the development of the university's award-winning case for philanthropic support, Together We Can, which profiled the ways that philanthropy has helped fund research discoveries like the Edmonton Protocol for diabetes treatment, opened doors for Aboriginal students and enabled global student programs like Play Around the World.
The university also recently launched a $5-million fundraising campaign to support the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services and expand its activities across Canada.
"Philanthropy has a major role in our financial future," says O'Neil Outar, vice-president of advancement. "The Alberta economy is vibrant and among the best in the world. With time and dedication, we will build our philanthropic community to the size and scale necessary for stabilizing our financial foundation, and in anticipation of a major fundraising campaign in a few years."
Find out more about giving to the U of A
For more information on donating to the University of Alberta, visit giving.ualberta.ca or contact Robert Moyles, senior director of advancement strategic communications, at 780-492-4804.