The York to the Power of 50 campaign has returned home with the launch of the Family Campaign, intended for York's family of faculty, staff and retirees. The Family Campaign was launched on Wednesday, Sept. 26 with a reception at the Contact Room in The Underground at the York Student Centre.
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| Above: Celebrating the launch of the York to the Power of 50 Family Campaign with York's mascots are, from right, Mamdouh Shoukri, York president & vice-chancellor; Family Campaign Co-Chairs Professor Ross Rudolph, Nancy Accinelli and Professor Ronald Pearlman; and Paul Marcus, president & CEO, York University Foundation. |
“We have come as far as we have in nearly 50 years thanks to the very hard work, generosity and dedication of our staff, students and faculty, members of the York ‘family’," said York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri at the launch. "Think of how far we can go in the next 50 years by working together. We really can redefine the possible.”
Christopher Leal, a student in York's Faculty of Science & Engineering and the past-president of the Portuguese Student Association, expressed his gratitude to the York family for the awards he received that have allowed him to attend the University. Leal grew up in a disadvantaged home where food and shelter were the priority and the death of his father compounded the family's hardship. A university education was only a dream for Leal. A number of awards from York turned his dream into a reality. “Although I’ve continued to work throughout my university career to help finance my home life, a tremendous burden was lifted off my shoulders and it was because of generous York supporters," said Leal.
The Family Campaign will be steered by three members of the York community. They are Nancy Accinelli, retired special adviser, College/Faculty Relations; Ronald Pearlman, University Professor of biology in the Faculty of Science & Engineering; and Ross Rudolph, political science professor in the Faculty of Arts and senior adviser to the vice-president academic.
The York to the Power of 50 campaign has experienced tremendous success and is well on its way to reaching its $200-million goal. For the Family Campaign, York relies upon the continuing generosity of faculty, staff and retirees to meet that goal.
Faculty, staff and retirees will receive their pledge packages in the mail in early October. The York University Foundation encourages faculty, staff and retirees to support the Family Campaign, part of the largest fundraising campaign in York’s history. Redefine the possible by supporting research, teaching and students through an estate, insurance or other planned giving opportunity.
Donations can also be made to York online. For more information on the Family Campaign call 416-650-8210.