Tara Jeffrey
Officials at Lambton College kicked off a new $45 million capital campaign Tuesday, complete with some major announcements.
“For thousands of students every year, Lambton College is not just a place to learn, but it’s a home,” college president and CEO Rob Kardas told the crowd gathered for the official launch of the Funding Futures Capital Campaign, which already includes some $10 million in fundraising, announced by partners and donors, Tuesday.
Investments include a new soccer field and fire tower, state-of-the-art student recreational commons, construction of a new outdoor ‘alumni terrace,’ Indigenous outdoor gathering space, and enhanced scholarship, bursary and employee assistance programs.
"We will also be looking to continue some of the work of the Envision Tomorrow campaign,” Kardas added, pointing to the previous capital campaign which wrapped up earlier this year; that $45 million campaign was established by the college foundation in 2015 to enhance academic programming, student athletic needs and applied research opportunities.
"We want to continue to build those active learning classrooms, state of practice labs, and immersive spaces that engage and empower students during their learning journeys,” Kardas added.
“We’re proud to say that the Funding Futures campaign will support mental health and overall wellness at the college; this will notably include several recreational commons projects that will come together to form a comprehensive outdoor recreation vision for our students and staff and community.”
Tuesday’s announcements included $3 million from the Student Administrative Council (SAC), to be use towards the new student recreation commons; $2 million from the Alumni Association to go towards the new Indigenous gathering space as well as an Alumni Terrace; and $5 million from the Cestar Group. That donation will go towards the Indigenous gathering space ($1 million), a new soccer field — Cestar Field — and fire tower ($3 million) and $1 million earmarked for continuing education and professional development opportunities for Lambton College employees.
