Nicholas Rahmon, Biz/Tech Reporter
As Humber’s students and faculty aim towards success in what they do, a new fundraising campaign will greatly change their work environments and the opportunities available.
Humber Unlimited is the first-ever fundraising campaign that is seeking to raise $50 million for student welfare.
It will be used to fulfill three priorities: $5 million towards students receiving easier access to resources outside of the classroom, $15 million towards more opportunities in educational funding, and $30 million for the advancement of facilities and technology.
“We need to continue every effort to improve and enhance our students’ experience,” said Vice-Chair of Humber College’s Board of Governors Robert Hull, a partner at Toronto law firm Gowling WLG.
“Whether through learning pathways, accessibility, transit, and technology, these will, in turn, ensure our students’ success in the economy when they move on from Humber,” he said.
The campaign team is made up of 13 people which includes former presidents of Humber, a University of Guelph-Humber faculty member, associates of the Humber Board of Governors, and those in higher positions from some of Canada’s biggest companies.
Within the three campaign pillars of the Unlimited campaign, another innovation will go towards Humber Lakeshore’s soon-to-come Humber Cultural Hub.
The 360,000 square-foot hub is expected to open in fall 2024 and includes performance halls, learning spaces made to reflect chosen industries, more residential spaces for students in residences, and areas to allow collaboration with the surrounding community.
“[Students can look towards] the engagement with the Humber Community, including alumni, industry partners, faculty and fellow students, then watching the financial fruits of the campaign being put to work for their benefit,” Hull said.
Molly Chaffee, a second-year media communications student at Humber, sees the campaign as an opportunity towards advancement.
“Although it’s been only a year since I started in my program, I’ve noticed changes around Humber which amaze me at every turn,” Chaffee said.
“Once students get access to technology the industry uses, it’s safe to say they’re on the right track,” she said.
Guelph-Humber Psychology professor Dan Andreae contributed to the campaign by creating scholarships for liberal arts, community, and social services, earning him an honourary degree.
He said students continue to be Humber’s top priority.
“It’s called Unlimited because it’s meant to unleash the unlimited potential of students,” Andreae said. “We know the world is changing, so here’s a chance for Humber to meet the needs of the technology we need today,” he added.
