uOttawa’s reputation is key focus of campaign

David Mitchell, vice-rector, university relations

Vice-Rector David Mitchell and Rector Gilles Patry share a light moment under the rain during the Ottawa launch of the Campaign for Canada's university.

It’s a campaign like no other. The Campaign for Canada’s university is certainly the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the long and rich history of the University of Ottawa. However, at a time when many institutions – other universities, hospitals, cultural organizations, etc. – have launched important capital campaigns, ours is demonstrably different.

Based upon the hard work of the past few years, we are already more than halfway towards the Campaign’s $200 million goal. These funds will support students, faculty and the infrastructure that sustains teaching and research activities.

However, our objectives are more than financial. The Campaign is also directly linked to our ongoing efforts to move the reputation of the University of Ottawa closer to its actual performance as one of Canada’s top universities.

The Campaign also focusses on enhancing our relationships with our communities: alumni, individuals, foundations, corporations and public sector agencies. By fostering new partnerships and collaborations, the Campaign will help build important linkages with between these communities and our institution for generations to come.

The co-chairs for the Campaign for Canada’s university, from left to right:
Gabriel Tsampalieros, president and CEO, Cara Operations Limited, Toronto; Huguette Labelle, chancellor, University of Ottawa, Ottawa; Guy Saint-Pierre, former chairman of the board, Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal.

It is important to note that this is also a “campaign of campaigns” with faculties and services establishing goals and objectives based upon their strategic priorities. In this sense, the Campaign for Canada’s university provides the overarching theme for all of the various, but related, fundraising efforts of the University of Ottawa community today.

At the heart of the Campaign for Canada's university is the Campus Campaign. Through this initiative, personal donations by University of Ottawa faculty, staff, retirees, and students, are contributing to our overall campaign goal. Thank you to all those who have supported us so far! Your continued support is much appreciated.

With the leadership of our impressive National Campaign Cabinet, I have no doubt that we will be successful in achieving the objectives of our Campaign over the next few years. Just as important, though, will be the development of new ambitions and new dreams for the University of Ottawa.

In this sense, the Campaign for Canada’s university represents the launch of a perpetual fundraising initiative that will continue for many years to come, providing new resources and new sources of support for one of our country’s great national institutions.