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An Expansion, a Renovation, a Destination The Goldring Student Centre Officially Opens its Doors Hundreds gathered outside the Goldring Student Centre on September 25 to celebrate the official opening of the building. The beautiful weather allowed for an outdoor ceremony with a brass quintet and a lively reception. The project was made possible by a lead donation from siblings Blake and Judy Goldring Vic 8T1 and 8T8 respectively, who were on hand with their families to cut the red ribbon. Victoria’s students pledged one-third of the capital project’s costs and alumni contributed an additional $6 million, including a $1-million gift generously donated by Chancellor Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1. “This splendid lead gift from Blake and Judy inspired a major contribution from our students, and with their assistance and the generosity of others, especially our chancellor, we now have a wonderful place that encourages all those activities and interactions that make up a wellrounded education,” says President Paul Gooch. “We’re truly, deeply grateful.”
Photographs: (Opposite page) Peg McCarthy, Victoria Alumni Office; Horst Herget
President Paul Gooch announced a $1-million gift to the Goldring Student Centre from Chancellor Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1 during his remarks at the official opening on September 25. The Wendy Marion Cecil Atrium, named in recognition of this generous gift, is a bright and inviting two-storey space that overlooks the new quadrangle. “I was a commuter student, so I spent a lot of time in this building doing homework,” says Cecil. “We all have our own reasons for supporting the University, and it is particularly inspiring to see that Vic alumni and students also have that same focus on supporting future generations.”
The transformation of the old Wymilwood building, which first opened in 1951, began with the preservation of existing iconic features—such as the cantilevered staircase and corrugated roof—and ended with a transformational glass and stone addition, for a grand total of 40,000 square feet of new and renovated space for students and staff. Guests were invited to view the new donor wall and tour the building with its many remarkable features and spaces. The building runs along the north side of Charles Street West and houses meeting spaces, a casual study lounge, Ned’s Café, The Cat’s Eye and entertainment centre, student commons, a commuter lounge, an outdoor patio and quadrangle and several hundred feet of student and administrative space. The addition of an elevator that reaches all floors makes the entire building accessible and the sunken garden and two green roofs provide additional sustainable spaces to Victoria’s campus. The Goldring Student Centre will be the heart of campus life— a welcome new home for students.
The platform party cuts the ribbon.
President David Naylor brings greetings on behalf of U of T.
Kyra Cecil-Cockwell Vic 1T1, Chancellor Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1 and son, Malcolm Cecil-Cockwell Vic 1T1.
The Brass Quintet of The Royal Regiment of Canada entertained the guests.
vic report autumn 2013
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