Marvin Corber with Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, at the inaugural Goodman Cancer Research Gala.
Marvin Corber
When Marvin Corber says “the important thing is how you approach the green,” he’s not referring to his golf game. He’s talking about his larger passion: fundraising.
A longtime McGill volunteer and donor, Corber is a Governor emeritus and Chair of McGill's Bequests and Planned Gifts Campaign Committee. Under his tireless leadership, Campaign McGill has achieved some remarkable results: $44.2 million raised in realized planned gifts, and more than 479 new planned gift commitments which will bring in an estimated $50 million in future revenue for the university.
Corber explains the secret to success for a fundraiser: “Don’t come on strong. Be gentle, respectful and considerate. It’s important to make the person feel good about whatever contribution they can make.”
Corber can certainly feel good about his own contributions. He and his wife Harriet (a graduate of the Macdonald College School for Teachers) have supported everything at McGill from music to management to medicine. In 2008, they established the Harriet and Marvin Corber Family Fund for Student Support, combining a major gift of $100,000 with an equivalent amount committed in Corber’s will.
McGill has been important to Corber ever since he completed the two-year Chartered Accountant program in 1957, studying at night while working at Richter, Usher & Vineberg. At 26, he became the youngest partner in the firm’s history. He was awarded the prestigious FCA designation in 1986, and served as managing partner from 1989 to 1996. He continues to work as a consultant to the firm (now named RSM Richter Chamberland), along with his volunteer service to McGill and numerous community organizations. “As they say, if you want something done, ask a busy person,” he quips.
His dedication to community service has earned him a number of awards, including the Order of Canada in 2002. Recently, “McGill has become my number-one priority,” he says. “I have a very special feeling about McGill.” The connection has been passed to the next generation: The Corbers’ two children also graduated from McGill (Deborah, BMus’81, and Michael, BCom’85, DPA’86).
Corber sums up the challenges of volunteer work with his trademark enthusiasm: “No matter what happens, always say thank you.” And just like in his golf game, he makes sure to have fun. “Fundraising is an art,” he says. “I love it.”