$1.4B triumph in fundraising shows education truly matters

Community came together to push U of C past original goal, writes Nuvyn Peters.

The Greek origin of the word philanthropy is “love of humankind.” That’s perhaps not the sentiment that comes to mind when you think of the world’s top research universities. But it’s more fitting than you might know. The success of the University of Calgary’s students; the depth and breadth of our research; and the strength and health of our community partnerships rely on support from our extraordinarily devoted family of alumni and friends. It is philanthropy — visionary acts of generosity that promote the welfare of others — that fuels excellence in our people and programs.

I am thrilled and proud to announce the spectacular completion of the University of Calgary’s ambitious philanthropic initiative, Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High. Originally spearheaded by Ucalgary president emerita Elizabeth Cannon, the monetary goal of the Energize campaign — envisioned to support our ongoing institutional strategy — was set at $1.3 billion. A bold and audacious goal for a young university.

That goal wasn’t a number made in isolation, informed solely by the ambition of the university. That goal came from you — our community — who pushed us to aim high. Hand in hand, we have ignited excellence in teaching and learning, in transformative research, and have created more robust connections and partnerships in Calgary and beyond. Your leadership has empowered us to soar beyond the expected, to dramatically deepen and accelerate success. Nothing less than a bold philanthropic initiative — underpinned by this city’s determination to spark and sustain lasting change — could fuel that mission.

Great cities are anchored by great research universities.

We couldn’t have known that, beginning only months after publicly announcing the Energize campaign, this city and province would face tremendous headwinds, including a painful economic downturn; a devastating flood; unprecedented wildfires; provincial budget constraints; and now, a pandemic. The world, this city, this campus, are not the same as when this campaign began.

Incredibly, under the leadership of Ed Mccauley, Ucalgary president and vice-chancellor, the Energize campaign’s final tally — more than $1.4 billion raised by nearly 30,000 donors — has surpassed its goal by more than $100 million. That is an extraordinary feat of optimism, generosity and ambition. It’s a true testament to the value of post-secondary education and the role it plays in advancing breakthroughs, innovation, economic growth and prosperity. Now more than ever, we need to celebrate this collective milestone as the extraordinary achievement it is.

Throughout this campaign, I have reiterated that great cities need great universities; and great universities are built on great philanthropy. As we close this chapter of the Energize campaign, I am grateful for the leadership and dedication of our community — this truly is a great city!

After many years spent helping to guide this historic initiative here at Ucalgary and, before that, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., I’ve learned that lasting positive change is always sparked by individuals who match personal passion with public purpose.

This campaign, your generosity in these challenging economic times, has reshaped our university. It has made the University of Calgary a different place. With the success of this campaign, you’ve proven that education matters, that the University of Calgary is a great university, and that, despite the challenges before us, the Calgary spirit and “can-do” attitude to get things done, is strong. And in building that university, you’ve also helped secure Calgary’s future.

Great cities are anchored by great research universities. We are, without a doubt, stronger together.

Thank you. Together we’ve made history. And we’ve only just begun.