Welcome
27 October 2009
Welcome to Huron's new interactive Campaign website. Here's your opportunity to share stories and photos from your time at Huron, take a quiz on Huron trivia from the past, stay posted on what's new at the College, and be connected with your fellow alumni. I'll be posting regular updates on the Blog so I invite you to check back often.
Huron University College has never been stronger. We've had a remarkable history, nearing 150 years. When Huron opened its doors on December 2, 1863, 13 theology students were enrolled in the entering class. Since that time, of course, the Faculty of Arts and Social Science was added, in 1956, and our enrolment has increased 100-fold to approximately 1,300 this fall. At the same time, the essence of a Huron education-small classes taught by first-rate faculty committed to student success-remains true to our original mission. That's what both current students and alumni alike tell me: their teachers made the difference, and as students they benefited from a vital and engaging community experience here.
Our results as reported in the February 2009 Maclean's University Issue underscore that accomplishment. We stood first out of 53 Canadian universities in the category of "Supportive Campus Environment"; first in the country in the response of our senior students to the question, "How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution?"; and first in Ontario in the category rating "Student-Faculty Interaction." This is the Huron in which we all take such pride.
We're able to maintain the high quality of a Huron education in part because of the generous support we receive from friends and alumni of the College, who contribute to critical areas of student support such as scholarships, bursaries, the library, academic programs, and our physical facilities. That generosity has been richly evident in the gifts we've received to date in our current Capital Campaign. Our goal is an ambitious one - $12.5 million, or twice as much as our most recent campaign - but thanks to the generosity of so many we're at $8.6 million already and committed to achieving target.
At this time, as we kick off the public phase of our Campaign, I'd like to pay special thanks to a number of people including Darcy McKeough, our Honorary Campaign Chair who secured a series of major corporate gifts for Huron and provides tremendous leadership among the College's wide circle of friends.
John Leitch and Barry Grant, as Campaign Co-Chairs, have spent countless hours building the structure and organization of the Campaign. Tragically, Barry, Class of '66, lost his valiant battle with cancer recently, and he was active on Huron's behalf right up until the end. What we achieve in the final phase will be in part a legacy to Barry and his devotion to Huron. We mourn his passing and miss him deeply.
Another Campaign volunteer, The Most Reverend Terry Finlay, went with me to visit Huron alumnus Galen Weston and secured a gift of $500,000 to support the teaching of British History at Huron and the publication of a book about Canada and Britain in the two world wars.
These are just a few examples of the tremendous work being done on behalf of Huron's Campaign, for which we are deeply grateful. Our alumni and friends are devoted to the College's future well-being, and carry with them that lively, engaging Huron spirit and dedication to keeping Huron strong which I see so much in evidence whether it's at Homecoming, an alumni event in Toronto or anywhere across Canada, the annual Principal's Reception, or in a one-on-one occasion to meet with a Huron alumni member.
I invite you to explore our website in more detail. Have fun, share a memory, and make a gift to keep Huron the special place you know.
Huron is in all of us. Honour the past. Extend your hand to the future. Share the experience.
My very best to you from the College.
Ramona Lumpkin, PhD
Principal