Together, We Can Defy Gravity

Together, We Can Defy Gravity

What is it that makes so many of us watch in awe when we witness astronauts floating in spacecrafts on breathtaking missions? The video of Chris Hadfield’s cover of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, with an acoustic guitar floating through the International Space Station, is still one of my favourites. My repeated watching is likely one of the reasons our singing Canadian astronaut’s video went viral! Moments that literally defy gravity are a reminder of our own personal capacity to push the boundaries of what we think is humanly possible and gain a perspective of the vastness of our potential. And in many ways this is what we do every day at Victoria University. We inspire our students to challenge preconceived boundaries, to ask some of humanity’s most compelling questions, and to boldly develop innovative answers.

Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University will transform the student experience at Victoria College and Emmanuel College. Our world is changing faster than anyone could have imagined, and we are responding by giving students the skills to shape our future.

Our students have told us that they want to challenge the status quo, create a more equitable society, protect our environment, and stand up for social justice. And it is our mission to help them do it.

Together, with our generous philanthropic community, we will:

Make our spaces, including our 150-year-old heritage buildings, more accessible to encourage social connections for everyone.

Expand our outstanding signature academic programs to give students a strong foundation in analytical skills, historical context and creativity.

Be daring and innovative in driving sustainability throughout our campus.

Invite more diverse students, including those from at-risk communities, to study at Vic and increase financial aid.

Increase wellness and mental health supports for students.

Leverage our unique multi-faith approach to theological studies to further serve our communities.

Reimagine our historic and iconic campus to make sure our classrooms reflect leading approaches to teaching and learning.

We are grateful to our Vic community for supporting the next generation of students as they seek to make a positive impact in the world. There is always a part of you at Vic! I invite you to take the time to learn more about our new campaign, and join us, as we Defy Gravity!

The Campaign Cabinet for Victoria University:

HONORARY CHAIR: Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1 and Chancellor Emerita

HONORARY MEMBERS: Norman Jewison Vic 4T9, Chancellor Emeritus, Chancellor Nick Saul Vic 9T0, Carole Taylor Vic 6T7, Chancellor Emerita

CO-CHAIRS: Judy Goldring Vic 8T7, David Wilson Vic 6T8

MEMBERS: Sonia Baxendale Vic 8T4, Stephen Coxford Vic 7T4, Paul Gooch (President Emeritus), John Grant Vic 8T3, Stephen M. Grant Vic 7T0, Brian Johnston Vic 8T1, Rizwan Khalfan Vic 9T5, Pamela Marchant Vic 9T6, Sandy McIntyre Vic 7T4, Pauline Thompson Vic 6T3, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rhonda McEwen