One of the things I love most about my job is working with alumni and other supporters of Brandon University. It is a real pleasure to share their stories, and to hear them reminisce about the role BU played in their lives, to learn of the lasting culture that makes it a special place. Our alumni and donors have a passion for BU (and Brandon College) that gives me new eyes on the bright futures for the students we welcome here. We are certainly blessed to have the support we do. It is a commitment to the future of not just BU, but to Westman, our province, and all our communities.

One prominent alumnus who we recently recognized is Brian Pallister. He has had a long and successful political career, having won eight elections dating back to 1992 — but did you know that his support of Brandon University has been even more consistent? Brian gave his first donation in 1990. Over the past quarter-century, he and his wife Esther have continued to give in an even bigger way, and we recently celebrated 25 years of Pallister scholarship support. The former Premier (and former Bobcat — several of the scholarships are earmarked for student-athletes) was on campus recently to meet with some of the recipients. You could tell from his broad smile that he was enjoying hearing from today’s students and they from him.

Every spring when I visit southern Ontario, a highlight of my trip is meeting with members of the Class of ’59. During a recent visit, they fondly recalled the speaker’s series that brought prominent figures and academics on campus to give a talk that was open to all. It was a very touching conversation. But it didn’t stop with talk. A few weeks later, I received news that a few of them wanted to support a renewed speaker’s series at BU and were making a generous donation to kick it off. We hosted renowned ag thinker and futurist Robert Saik last year, for the first of the JRC Evans Memorial Distinguished Lectureships. The talk was great, but for me it is just as thrilling to recognize the connection that’s bridging the decades.

Another highlight of my Toronto trips is dinner with former Westman resident, Dr. Viola Lobodowsky, who is closely connected to BU. This year, Dr. Lobodowsky will move up to the Chancellor’s Honour Roll in the BU Foundation Order of the Sheaf, which recognizes individuals and organizations who have given a million dollars or more to BU. Of Ukrainian origin, she has most recently been supporting students who left Ukraine and are studying at BU. It is a most heartwarming story. At the same time, she continues to support our Faculty of Science.

Donations provide much-needed support for students and research. In 2023, the BU Foundation was able to provide our institution with more than $3.3 million in scholarships, bursaries, support for students and research and many other important initiatives. The Foundation itself is made up of volunteers (many are alumni) who work hard to support our fundraising efforts.

BU is getting ready to fundraise for an expanded Indigenous Peoples’ Centre and for an outdoor classroom. These exciting new ventures are in keeping with our University Strategic Plan and our Campus Master Plan and will help change the face of our campus. We are also planning major renovations to the Brodie Science Centre and an expansion to house more research, build more partnerships with local industries, and support more students. Part of the building will house a planned medical school. This partnership with the University of Manitoba will allow students to stay in our region for their medical training, making them far more likely to remain here after graduation.

The more time I spend with our donors, the more I appreciate their view that they are not giving but investing. Investing in the future of our region and helping to create a more enriched community. A few hundred dollars in scholarships or bursaries can be the difference between succeeding at university, or not being able to attend. Imagine the difference that makes in a person’s life.

I often say to our faculty and staff that there is a little piece of each of us in every student who crosses the stage at Convocation. The same can be said about each and every one of our donors. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Docherty
President and Vice-Chancellor Brandon University