Photo of Bob McFarlane speaking at a podium.
  • Gratituesday

Supporting Excellence

Robert (Bob) McFarlane
°ä´Ç³¾â€™83


Robert (Bob) McFarlane, °ä´Ç³¾â€™83, is an active Queen’s volunteer and a member of the university’s board of trustees. He is a representative on the Football Management Committee (FMC), providing valuable insight into the ongoing operations, budget, and planning for the football program, Richardson Stadium, and the future Pavilion building. Bob is also a key member of the Red Banner Society (RBS), an alumni committee providing guidance, advice, and financial support to Queen’s Football.

When explaining why he chooses to direct his philanthropic support to the Stadium, and particularly to the Pavilion, Bob says, “I chose to attend Queen’s because it was the best in academics and football, having just won a national championship. To continue the tremendous legacy of success the formula is simple…offer continued strong academics and Queen’s legendary student experience, combined with excellent coaches, facilities, and student-athletes. The Stadium, with the final element of the Pavilion, completes the one missing ingredient. It will help ensure Queen’s is the preferred choice by the best student-athletes in Canada. It will be something we can all be proud of, not only in the Queen’s community but in the broader community as well. It will bring the Kingston community and alumni together to cheer on our Gaels and provide a first-class sporting venue for the enjoyment of many university and local events.â€

“The Stadium is an amphitheatre design that creates an incredible atmosphere for players and fans alike. Once the Pavilion project is complete, people will have a 360 degree walk around the top of the Stadium looking down onto the spectator seating and field below. Coaches will have much-needed offices, and there will be dressing rooms, classrooms, as well as therapy rooms for players. And fans will have an enhanced viewing platform, with food and refreshment services, providing them with the very important social atmosphere.â€

In football, you need people with a variety of skills, and you need all of those people on the field to do their part if you want to succeed as a team. The Stadium and the Pavilion projects have been successful because of the diverse skills, dedication, and support of everyone involved. Thanks to alumni like Bob, and the rest of the RBS and FMC members, the Pavilion project will become a reality and the Stadium will be complete.