Volunteer Sheri Lowrie (centre) receives congratulations from campaign chair Vincent Georgie and UWindsor president Alan Wildeman for winning a free vacation day in a prize draw at the Annual Giving Program donor appreciation luncheon, Thursday outside the Welcome Centre. (photo by Roy Kang)
Dozens of UWindsor faculty, staff, and retirees gathered Thursday outside the Stephen and Vicki Adams Welcome Centre to celebrate the successes of the 2017-18 Annual Giving Program. This year’s employee appeal raised more than $333,000 in support of student scholarships and campus priority projects.
Campaign chair Vincent Georgie, director of the School of Creative Arts, spoke of his pride in how donors contribute to the cause.
“We drive our campus and make an incredible impact on our students, and as a collective, we can and will make a difference,” he said. “We are united as one group in creating a better campus and investing in the promise of our students.”
The fundraising program has garnered more than $2.7 million over the last eight years, with an average gift this year of $562.
The event saw several units win special recognition — the athletics department for its 100 per cent participation rate, and the canvass team in finance and human resources for a participation rate over 58 per cent. Each will enjoy a Popsicle snack break.
Volunteer canvasser Sheri Lowrie won an extra vacation day as a door prize, but said the prospect of an individual reward isn’t what motivates her to give her time and money to the campaign.
“It shows that we support our very own university, whether it’s campus beautification or student scholarships,” said Lowrie, an academic advisor.
She plans to use the extra day off to treat herself.
“I was over the moon excited!” she said. “My options are endless.”
Other door prize winners included Anita Bondy, who won the rights to name a commemorative bench on campus; James McGinlay, a $100 Amazon gift card; David Yott, a $50 UWin gift card; and Sherry Dugal-Nevin, a gift basket from the Alumni Association.
All attendees received a ceramic coffee cup bearing the text “I support UWindsor students.”
To learn more about how to donate to the Annual Giving Program and support the campus cause most dear to you, contact Annual Giving Program co-ordinator Nicole Broderick at 519-253-3000, ext. 4279, or Nicole.Broderick@uwindsor.ca.