A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Since arriving at Laurier just over a year ago to serve as editor of Campus magazine, I've been moved by the generosity of heart and spirit consistently displayed by the university's students, faculty, staff, alumni community and donors.
Those of you who have been a part of the Laurier community a lot longer than I have will find this generosity no surprise, but I think it's worth reminding ourselves that being associated with Laurier means being a part of a community willing to put others before self, a community that strives to make the world a better place locally, nationally and globally.
I mention this because the Laurier community's generosity of heart and spirit is certainly on display in the Summer 2017 edition of Campus, our first exclusively online edition of the magazine.
Take for example the generosity of donors like Brantford's Kun family, who recently doubled their commitment to the ongoing Laurier Brantford YMCA project with an additional $1-million gift. The Kuns' overwhelming support will go a long way to improving the health and wellness of Laurier students and the Brantford community as a whole.
Also consider the generosity of Mike Lazaridis, the namesake of Laurier's new Lazaridis Hall, who spoke at the building's grand opening celebration in May. The technology entrepreneur and philanthropist donated $20 million that supported construction of the state-of-the-art facility, with an aim to recruit the best and brightest students, researchers and entrepreneurs to Waterloo Region.
Then there's people like Laurier graduate Tim Einwechter (BBA ’77). While experiencing tremendous corporate success in the field of health care in the U.S., Einwechter has kept his focus on people. As he notes in this edition of Campus: "Business isn’t just about what you can do for yourself...it’s about what you can do for other people, especially when no one is looking."
It could go without saying that it doesn't take millions of dollars to make a big difference as a member of the Laurier community. Moving Us Forward is proof of that. A student-led initiative on the university's Brantford campus, Moving Us Forward puts knapsacks and duffel bags in the hands of children in the foster care system so they can move with dignity. You can learn about Moving Us Forward and watch a video about the initiative in this edition of Campus.
These examples of generosity are just the beginning when it comes to the good works of those associated with Laurier. On campus, fundraisers supporting many causes are organized by students, faculty and staff members throughout the year. Off campus, the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association's annual Helping Hawks day sees members of the Laurier community pitch in by volunteering their time at organizations across the country.
All considered, Laurier's culture of service is a culture we should feel proud to be a part of.
As noted, this edition of Campus magazine is the first ever exclusively published online. While we'll still be producing our twice-annual print publication (look for our Fall-Winter issue to arrive in your mailbox later this year), the summer edition of Campus is something new, designed to keep you informed about happenings at Laurier during the summer months with the tap of a screen or click of a mouse. It's an edition bursting with content, so start exploring.
John Zronik
Editor, Campus magazine