$40M gift to U of C will give big boost to entrepreneurs
Hunter family aims to ensure brighter horizon for Calgary and Alberta
The University of Calgary’s dream of creating an entrepreneur incubating hub is $40-million closer thanks to a gift from a leading philanthropic family.
The Hunter family’s donation, following an earlier gift to the U of C, will help build a $100-million centre on campus that will nurture innovative business activity across faculties, said university president Elizabeth Cannon.
“It’s huge — in a broader sense this allows us to deliver in a really significant way … to build skill sets and knowledge in entrepreneurial thinking,” said Cannon.
The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking will open a pilot site this fall, with a permanent centre to be built over the next four years, she said.
Spokes from the hub will radiate into various disciplines, bringing them together in a spirit of innovation and discovery, said Cannon.
“The Hunters coming forward and investing in our student experience will be transformative in linking together what’s happening at faculties across the university,” she said. Given Calgary’s economic downturn, the effort, which will enhance economic diversity and resilience, she said, is well-timed.
It will ultimately supply students certificates “to layer on top of degrees, another credential,” added Cannon.
The donors are no strangers in bolstering the U of C’s business education side.
Four years ago, the Hunter Family Foundation, whose financial strength is derived from the oil and gas industry, delivered a $5-million gift to the Haskayne School of Business and the most recent donation expands on that, said university officials.
Foundation trustee Diane Hunter said the move leverages the U of C’s strengths to ensure a brighter horizon for Calgary and Alberta. “We invest in our community to impact change,” she said.
“As one of Canada’s leading research institutions, the University of Calgary is a driver of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in our community. It fuels our next generation of talented social and technological thinkers, who will, in turn, energize our city, our province and our world for the future.”
The $40-million donation is among the largest ever received by the U of C.
“Clearly, they’re wonderful community leaders who care deeply about our students, they recognize the importance of research investment that’ll contribute to a more resilient, diverse and sustainable Calgary,” said Cannon, adding it’s hoped the gift will inspire other potential donors.
Three years ago, the Cumming Family provided $100 million to the Cumming School of Medicine, the U of C’s largest gift.
Those donations are boosting the U of C’s Eyes High strategy that aims to make the university one of Canada’s top five research schools by 2022.