Athletic director Mike Havey placed a paving stone representing his department’s 100 percent participation in the perennial garden outside the Leddy Library during a donors appreciation reception, Thursday.
A united team by nature, the Department of Athletics and Recreation Services saw every employee donate to this year’s Annual Giving Program campaign: “Paving the Way for UWindsor Students.”
Led by athletic director Mike Havey and business coordinator, Helen Ellis-Govette, a most persuasive volunteer canvasser, the winning department placed a paving stone representing its 100 percent participation in the perennial garden outside the Leddy Library during a donors appreciation reception Thursday.
Havey credits the unit’s culture for its unity of purpose.
“Everybody here knows that the team is only as strong as the weakest member, so everybody is together in this,” he says. “It only makes us stronger.”
The department depends a great deal on self-funding its programs, but Havey acknowledges giving should start from within.
“How can we expect externals to support us if we don’t support ourselves?” he asks.
Lancer athlete Milos Savic, recipient of several scholarships, shared his experience as a beneficiary of the generosity of donors.
“These investments impact students’ time in the classroom and on the field or court,” said the fourth-year student of media, communication and film. “In fact, it drives us to excel in our studies and compete to win.”
He thanked attendees for their contributions and urged them to continue giving: “I know that I will pay it forward and give back when I cross the stage at convocation and become a successful UWindsor alumnus.”
To make a donation to the fund, contact development officer Mona Dosen at mona@uwindsor.ca or 519-253-3000, ext. 4279.
The Thursday reception honoured volunteers and supporters of the Annual Giving Campaign, which solicits support from faculty and staff for improving the student experience.
About 150 people attended Thursday’s reception to honour supporters of the Annual Giving Campaign, which solicits support from faculty and staff. The event featured a symbolic paving of Stewart Moore Garden and comments from students, alumni and administrators. Over the past six years the program has raised $1,717,240.
Student recruitment officer Marium Tolson-Murtty won naming rights to a commemorative bench in a door prize draw.