Each co-chair of Queen’s Campus Community Appeal has a distinctive reason for helping lead the university’s annual fundraising campaign. What unites all five volunteers is a common desire to “give back” to the university.
In our previous profile, we asked Terrie Easter Sheen (Gender Studies) and Martha Whitehead (University Librarian) to share what motivates them as volunteers, as well as their personal reasons for giving. Today the remaining three co-chairs – Donald and Joan McGeachy Chair in Biomedical Engineering Professor Tim Bryant, Executive Director Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment Stuart Pinchin and emeritus Philosophy Professor Carlos Prado – respond to the same questions.
What drew you to this volunteer position as Co-Chair for the Campus Community Appeal?
Tim Bryant: Ever since being a student here in the 1970s, I’ve wanted to give back. Now that I’m better able to help financially, that’s one way I can contribute – and giving my time is another. I think both are important to do.
Stuart Pinchin: When I was working in the corporate world, I always had a strong desire to be involved in the community and give back. The same is true now that I’m at Queen’s.
Carlos Prado: I wanted to do more than simply donate funds. This seemed a good way to contribute a little more.
What project(s) do you support with your gifts to Queen’s?
TB: As a bursary recipient myself, I know the difference student assistance can make; so that’s one of my support areas. The other is very close to my heart: new facilities for Mechanical and Materials Engineering that will help launch our department into the future.
SP: Our class gift many years ago established the Arts ’78 Bursary, after a classmate lost everything in an apartment fire. That’s what I continue to support.
CP: I support the Prado Thesis Prize in Philosophy, and my wife and I support the Prado Chamber Music Prize in the School of Music.
What would you say to someone who was considering a gift to Queen’s?
TB: I would encourage them to reflect on the impact of their support 40 or 50 years down the road. Helping to provide a nurturing, stimulating environment for today’s exceptional students has the potential to make a real difference to Canada and the world. Everything we can do to support the Queen’s community is an investment in the future.
SP: Looking around our campus, you can see so many people giving back – beyond their day-to-day work – in so many ways. Whether a financial gift, or by volunteering their time and energy and knowledge, it has such positive reverberations for both Queen’s and the broader community.
CP: First I would tell them that every dollar counts, and not to be shy, as some are, of making small donations. Second – and this is my special preference – I would recommend that they donate in ways that help students directly, as with achievement prizes. Lastly I would mention that donating time and/or money produces a good feeling of participation: one which is hugely bolstered when a student calls to thank you for your donation!
Every year, in November and March, current and retired staff and faculty members volunteer their time and leadership to encourage their colleagues’ participation in the Campus Community Appeal. The appeal has a direct impact across campus, supporting programs and initiatives that enrich the teaching and learning environment. Gifts may be designated to almost any area of need: from student assistance to mental health and wellness, faculty programs, the library, archives, community outreach and more.
