Nipissing celebrates impact of philanthropy

Nipissing University’s dedicated donors play a key role in the success of the institution as well as its students. On Thursday, March 21, Nipissing’s Advancement team welcomed donors and students to the NUSU Student Centre for the 20th Annual Donor Social to celebrate the impact of philanthropy.

This annual tradition invites donors to the University to learn more about the people, places and programs that have directly benefitted from their contributions. The event also provides an opportunity for recipients of student scholarships, awards, and bursaries to meet and thank their donor in-person for their role in supporting their academic success. Each year, over 370 scholarships and awards are awarded to Nipissing students with donor generosity being the heart of what makes this support possible.  

Over the past year, donors contributed $576,000 to Nipissing students through annual and endowed awards and have helped to make a meaningful and lasting difference through the establishment of seven new student awards.

“I am grateful to be surrounded by individuals who share a common vision: to create a brighter future for our students and our region,” shared Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni and Advancement at Nipissing University.

Nipissing’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Wamsley, opened the event by speaking to the importance of donors and the impact their philanthropy has on small universities and communities.

Fran Couchie, a member of Nipissing’s Board of Governors acknowledged the importance of Indigenous education, the University’s responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation, and how fundraising efforts impact the Indigenous community at Nipissing. She shared how various Indigenous scholarships, bursaries, and learning spaces like the Enji giigdoyang tipi were made possible by the generosity of donors.

Attendees also heard from Dr. Barbi Law, Interim Associate Vice-President of Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies at Nipissing who reflected on the impact philanthropy has on the research community at Nipissing. She emphasized how donors continue to support the determination and curiosity of student researchers as well as faculty research projects like Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada. 

Guests were invited to explore the Evolution of the Mind, Body, and Soul exhibit by artists Katelyn Adams and Caitlin Tremblay in the Reflections Gallery and to join Cheriian Pearson, student at Nipissing, and Indigenous artist Amanda Bellefeuille, as they continued their construction of a replica wampum belt from the Treaty of Niagara, 1764. The event also included a tour of Nipissing’s new Centre for the Study of State Violence – War, Atrocity and Genocide, led by Dr. Hilary Earl.

Nipissing University is committed to providing a personalized and supportive learning environment that enables students, graduates, and faculty to strive for excellence, realize their potential, and make a positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

To learn more about philanthropy at Nipissing University, visit https://giving.nipissingu.ca/.