A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
The Faculty of Music’s Making Space for Music campaign reached a significant milestone in February when campaign support reached $11.3 million, 75 per cent of the campaign’s $15-million goal.
With the achievement, the university has started planning for the renovation and expansion of its Faculty of Music building, to be known as the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building.
“My pride in reaching this important step in the campaign is matched only by my gratitude to the many donors who made it possible,” says Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “This project, which has generated so much enthusiasm and support during the past five years, is moving into that exciting phase where we begin to watch it truly come to life.”
The Making Space for Music campaign received significant support in January, when more than 250 donors came together to name the Carruthers Practice Studios in honour of former dean of the Faculty of Music Glen Carruthers, who passed away in December after a battle with cancer. In under three months, donors gave more than $780,000 to name the Carruthers Practice Studios, surpassing a mini-campaign goal of $750,000.
“I speak on behalf of the Faculty of Music when I say that I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support in honour of Dr. Carruthers,” says Anna Ferenc, acting dean of the Faculty of Music.
A artist's rendering of the planned entrance to the Carruthers Practice Studios in the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building.
“This project meant so much to him and he meant so much to us. Thank you to everyone who is helping bring his dream to reality.”
Laurier alumni and friends of the university Robert and Judith Astley’s matching gift was pivotal to the success of the Carruthers Practice Studios campaign. Laurier Chancellor Eileen Mercier also provided significant philanthropic support.
A artist's rendering of the planned Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Lobby in the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building.
Carruthers was the driving force behind the Making Space for Music campaign and a passionate advocate for music education and Laurier students. The outpouring of support for the Carruthers Practice Studios reflected the transformational impact Carruthers had on the Faculty of Music during his 10 years as dean, which is highlighted in a feature story in this edition of Laurier Campus.
Supporters and friends of Laurier Ron and Shirley Levene announced a gift to the Making Space for Music campaign in February.
The Levenes are honouring the memory of their son, Leejay Julius Levene, who passed away tragically in 2007 at the age of 18. The Leejay Julius Levene Practice Studio will be named in his honour.
“Laurier has a strong community of committed supporters and friends,” says Jason Coolman, vice-president of advancement and external relations. “It’s been a tough year, but nearing the completion of the Making Space for Music campaign is a beacon of hope we can all feel really proud of.”
The Making Space for Music campaign aims to raise $15 million to renovate and expand Laurier's Waterloo campus Faculty of Music building, transforming it into an improved space for teaching, practising, rehearsing and performing.
An exceptional new campus entranceway, lobby and practice rooms will allow increased opportunities for music students to develop their craft and for the public to enjoy and participate in Faculty of Music programming.
Laurier will name its new Faculty of Music building the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building, with the Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Lobby, in honour of a $4-million gift from the Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation in January 2020.
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