McGill donors celebrated on National Philanthropy Day
Schulich, O'Brien and Eberts shining examples of philanthropists
Today, on National Philanthropy Day, McGill University celebrates its donors whose generous gifts have had a great impact on the University this year. Several significant financial contributions have created opportunities for prospective students, enhanced learning, and provided new spaces for education.
The annual National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has accomplished, as well as what there still is to do. This year, tens of thousands of people will show the world that the spirit of giving is alive and well, and stronger than ever.
McGill is grateful for the many contributions received over the past year. Several donations from recent months are models of the spirit of generosity of all our donors.
Examples of philanthropy at McGill
Seymour Schulich support for students and new music building
Businessman Seymour Schulich, a two-time McGill University graduate and honorary degree recipient, stepped forward with a transformative philanthropic gift of unprecedented generosity towards his alma mater and to higher education in the arts.
Schulich donated $20 million to the Faculty of Music, renamed the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contribution. The 100-year-old Faculty of Music — the best in Canada and a leader in the world — is the first McGill program to be named in honour of an individual.
Thanks to this gift, McGill graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for 40 annual Schulich Scholarships to make their musical dreams come true. Schulich's donation also enabled the creation of two endowed chairs that will help McGill continue to recruit the best and the brightest minds in music teaching and research. And $8 million of his gift has been applied towards McGill's cutting edge New Music Building — a $70-million project.
O'Brien Fellowships fund top young human rights scholars from around the world
Five fellowships inaugurated a new era for human rights scholarship in Canada thanks to a generous donation by David O'Brien, a well-known executive who has given $3 million to the McGill Faculty of Law. The gift created a permanent endowment that will be used each year to attract top young scholars to do graduate work in human rights at McGill.
David O'Brien (BCL'65) is the chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada and the head of Encana Corporation, the country's largest independent oil and gas company. His gift reflects what has become a priority in his life.
Jake Eberts funds bursaries for indigenous students
Support for indigenous students got a huge boost thanks to a unique new program created at McGill University. McGill alumnus Jake Eberts (BEng'62), whose film credits include Dances With Wolves and Black Robe, teamed up with other family members to create an endowment fund to attract, support and integrate indigenous students at McGill. The four-year renewable program provides a mix of recruitment outreach, bursaries, scholarships and cultural activities.
About McGill University
McGill University is Canada's leading research-intensive university and has earned an international reputation for scholarly achievement and scientific discovery. Founded in 1821, McGill has 21 faculties and professional schools, which offer more than 300 programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. McGill attracts renowned professors and researchers from around the world and top students from more than 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse education environments in North America. There are approximately 23,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. It is one of two Canadian members of the American Association of Universities. McGill's two campuses are located in Montreal, Canada.
