Alumni Come Together to Spearhead Major Fundraising Campaign 

(L-R) Judy Goldring Vic 8T7 and David Wilson Vic 6T8.

Of the many personal reasons expressed by members of Victoria University’s campaign cabinet as to why they have volunteered to raise funds for Victoria University, the most consistent one is “I want more students to have the same amazing experience that I had at Vic!” For twelve remarkable alumni this wish translates into serving Victoria University as a member of its new Campaign Cabinet. Victoria University’s campaign has a goal to raise $80 million as part of the broader U of T Defy Gravity campaign and the cabinet members will be hard at work with Vic’s advancement team in seeking investment in the University’s strategic initiatives. 
 
“When I was deciding where to study, I was drawn to the physical beauty of the campus. My time at Vic was transformative, inspired by the experiences of generations of my family before me,” explains Campaign Co-chair, Judy Goldring Vic 8T7, who is President and Head of Global Distribution, AGF Management Limited. Goldring, who named the Goldring Student Centre at Vic with her brother, Blake Goldring, will lead the cabinet with Campaign Co-chair David Wilson Vic 6T8, a retired financial leader who held executive roles as Vice-Chair of Scotiabank and Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission. “All those on this cabinet benefitted both academically and professionally from our time at Victoria, and we established life-long friendships at the University. We are committed to ensuring that generations of students will continue to have that experience,” says Wilson. “My parents met on the Victoria campus in the beautiful Emmanuel Library and whenever I am on campus, I think of them and everything that Vic has brought to my family.”    
 
For the Campaign’s Honorary Chair Wendy Cecil Vic 7T1, addressing financial barriers for students interested in attending Vic is very important. “I didn’t come from financial means and was only able to attend Vic because the Bursar took an interest and helped me secure a bursary. There are so many talented high school students who come from at-risk backgrounds, and we need to make sure that they have the same opportunities that I was given,” explains Cecil, who is a member of The Order of Canada for her accomplishments as a business leader and her extensive community engagement. She is the former vice-president of business development at Brascan Ltd. (now Brookfield Asset Management)   
 
In addition to financial supports for its students, Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University will ensure that the university’s iconic buildings and grounds continue to meet the needs of students, faculty and community members and that a continued sense of pride of place is maintained.  Many of Vic's century-old buildings require much-needed upgrades including ensuring accessibility for all. Signature academic programs at Victoria College and Emmanuel College will need additional investment to be enhanced and expanded to reflect our changing world.    
 
“When I think of Victoria University, I think about a warm and lively community. That’s what Vic gave to me and to so many students in their formative years. I know that the funds that we raise will support a special culture where everyone belongs—that every student who brings their own history, culture and experiences to Victoria University feels like they are contributing to the vibrant community in which we live and learn,” says Cecil.   
   
Campaign Cabinet  
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, Pam Marchant Vic 9T6, Sandy McIntyre Vic 7T4, Pauline Thompson Vic 6T3,   President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Rhonda McEwen   
 
Learn more about our historic Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University.