Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University Nears Halfway Milestone

By Daniel Blackwell

Victoria University’s ambitious Defy Gravity campaign is nearing the halfway mark toward its $80 million fundraising goal.

This success reflects the university community's collective commitment to strengthening Vic U’s role as a leader in broad-based, inclusive education, says Mary Heinmaa, director of philanthropy for Vic’s Alumni Affairs & Advancement.

“Since January 2019, we’ve raised almost $38 million dollars,” says Heinmaa. “That puts us at 46 per cent of our goal.”

Vic U’s Defy Gravity campaign, now approaching its fifth year, is built around the four pillars in the university’s Strategic Framework: Belong, Explore, Encounter and Transform. These pillars guide investments in student scholarships and awards, academic offerings, infrastructure and transformative learning experiences.

Through Defy Gravity, Victoria University has been able to support projects that are redefining the campus experience, such as the redevelopment of the Birge-Carnegie building. The updates to this heritage-listed building include refurbishing the iconic Reading Room, introducing modern study and gathering spaces, and significant improvements to accessibility.

Funding from the campaign will also support the creation of an Indigenous Healing Garden in consultation with Indigenous advisers. This fully accessible, sustainable garden will feature sacred Indigenous medicinal plants, vegetables and wildflowers, along with an accessibility ramp, benches and more. It reflects Victoria University’s commitment to the truth and reconciliation process.

Louise Yearwood, executive director of Alumni Affairs & Advancement for Vic U, says the university’s ability to undertake projects like these can be attributed to donors of all stripes.

“We reached this milestone thanks to the generosity of both long-standing and new supporters,” says Yearwood. “I particularly want to emphasize that this achievement has been driven by our dedicated network of over 35,000 alumni and supporters whose contributions, both big and small, ensure the continued success of Victoria University.”

Yearwood also highlighted the importance of planned gifts.

“Legacy gifts make up 37 per cent of our campaign fundraising,” she says. “Without the foresight and generosity of our gift-planning donors, a lot of great things at Vic simply wouldn’t happen.”

Yearwood is also quick to point out the critical role played by the campaign’s cabinet, led by co-chairs Judy Goldring and David Wilson, and honorary chair Wendy Cecil.

“Our campaign cabinet is composed of volunteers who have donated their time and energy to ensure that we meet our fundraising targets,” says Yearwood.

“They help us to cultivate relationships with alumni and donors, acting as ambassadors for Victoria University.”

In 2025, the Alumni Affairs & Advancement team will remain focused on raising funds for scholarships, bursaries and other projects like the new Centre for Creativity. They will also continue supporting initiatives like the creation of the Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education. This prestigious new professorship will honour Dr. Augustine’s lifelong commitment to equality, social justice and inclusive education, advancing the university’s mission to inspire meaningful change and leadership in education.

Heinmaa and Yearwood stress that Alumni Affairs & Advancement’s work is also focused on uniting the alumni community, bringing together generations through a host of special events, including Alumni Reunion each spring, to bond over the shared experience of attending Victoria University.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Vic U community for supporting Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University. Your generosity and dedication have driven our efforts forward and helped turn vision into reality. Here is the makeup of the campaign team:

Honorary Chair

• Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1, chancellor emerita

Honorary Members

• Nick Saul Vic 9T0, chancellor

• Carole Taylor Vic 6T7, chancellor emerita

Campaign Co-Chairs

• Judy Goldring Vic 8T7

• David Wilson Vic 6T8

Committee Members

• Sonia Baxendale Vic 8T4

• Sophia Chan-Combrink Vic 9T6 (new)

• John Grant Vic 8T3

• Paul Gooch, president emeritus

• Doug Houston Vic 8T7 (new)

• Brian Johnston Vic 8T1

• Rizwan Khalfan Vic 9T5

• Rhonda N. McEwen, president and vice-chancellor

• Sandy McIntyre Vic 7T4

• Jane Pepino Vic 6T7 (new)

• Pauline Thompson Vic 6T3

Meet the newest members of the committee

Sophia Chan-Combrink Vic 9T6 is VP of external relations at ventureLAB, based in Markham, Ont., where she manages government relations, liaises with public sector entities and fosters partnerships with academic institutions. She was previously the executive director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and has more than 20 years of hands-on managerial experience at non-profit organizations.

Doug Houston Vic 8T7 has more than 32 years of experience at one of Canada’s leading financial institutions. He is a strategic adviser to corporate, commercial, high net worth, government and institutional clients across a broad range of financial products and is known for building longterm client relationships.

Jane Pepino Vic 6T7 is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP, where she founded the firm’s Municipal and Land Use Planning Group and provides advice on planning, zoning and land development throughout Ontario. She served three terms on U of T’s Governing Council, including as vice-chair.

Thank you to our departing members for their time and service:

• Stephen Coxford Vic 7T4

• Stephen Grant Vic 7T0

• Pam Marchant Vic 9T6

And a special thanks to honorary campaign member Norman Jewison Vic 4T9, chancellor emeritus, who died this year at age 97.