More donors than ever supported York University and, as a result, contributed to a 71 per cent increase in donations over the past two years. Since 2002, 24 per cent more donors have bestowed gifts on the country's third largest university.
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Above: Group photo of York University Foundation board of directors and administration representatives, from left: First row, Avie Bennett, Lorna R. Marsden, Tim Price, Marshall Cohen and Paul Marcus; Second row, Jacline Nyman, J. Lyndsay Gordon, Judith Cohen, H. Barry Gales, Cathy Yanosik, John Hunkin and Bob Martin; Third row, Karim Lakhani, Steve Mirkopoulos, Henry Wu and Joseph Sorbara, flanked by York Lions mascots
From May 1, 2003, to April 30, 2004 (fiscal year end), a total of $18.3 million was raised from alumni, faculty, staff, benefactors and the local community to support students, teaching, research and infrastructure.
"This is York's best year of fundraising ever," said Tim Price, Chair of the York University Foundation's 19-member board of directors. The board members are accomplished corporate and community leaders who have volunteered their time to help communicate York's excellence to the external community, and to raise much needed support.
"Building a new foundation takes extraordinary effort and teamwork," said Marshall Cohen, Chair of the York University Board of Governors. "I am pleased to see such overwhelming support from York's many communities."
The foundation was created two years ago as an independent fundraising entity. It is one of the first university foundations in Canada and it represents an innovative approach to fundraising and building leadership.
"It's very exciting to see the University receive assistance from so many external contributors and from our York community," said York President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden. "The new Schulich School of Business building is a great example of decanal and volunteer fundraising leadership."
Over the past year, 58 gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more were received by York, with thousands of donors contributing at all levels.
"It is particularly encouraging to see the broadening of our donor base," said Paul Marcus, president and CEO of the York University Foundation. "Our supporters are helping to build an outstanding future for the University, and their generosity is highly valued."
Plans for the coming year include continued major gift development and new initiatives in the area of deferred giving. Upcoming events include the Honour Court dedication and reception for leadership donors on June 23.
This story was submitted to YFile by Carrie Brodi, communications officer, York University Foundation.