U of L takes a ‘SHINE’to fundraising

UNIVERSITY GOAL IS TO RAISE $100M

The University of Lethbridge publicly launched the largest fundraising drive in its history on Thursday during a welcome back barbecue for students and faculty at the university’s atrium.

The goal of the “SHINE” campaign is to raise $100 million over the next few years to support the school’s ongoing efforts to grow and expand to meet the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities out there today as it positions itself for the future.

Through its efforts to date the university has already raised $67 million from alumni and other donors, but U of L president and vice-chancellor Mike Mahon says SHINE will be seeking an additional $40 million to help the university meet its goals and needs.

“We do receive government funding, and that goes toward creating the resources for the operation of the university,” said Mahon. “But many things we do are not supported by government — so much of the research we do does not get government support, many of the things we do to support our students, particularly scholarships and bursaries, do not come from government.

“The student support and research support are probably two of the most significant things we focus on as it relates to external funding, but then, of course, there are other initiatives we undertake to support our community, and those are also things that are not supported by the resources from the government.”

To learn more about SHINE: The Campaign for the University of Lethbridge, and how you can contribute, view the campaign video at

Herald photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald University of Lethbridge president Mike Mahon speaks during the launch of the SHINE campaign, which aims to complete a goal of $100 million as the largest fundraising drive in the university’s history.