BU Celebrates Donors and Volunteers at Foundation Annual Luncheon

BRANDON, MB – Brandon University (BU) celebrated its generous donors, outstanding volunteers and new inductees into the Order of the Sheaf at the Brandon University Foundation Annual Luncheon held on Friday, May 22nd. Also announced at the Luncheon were the recipients of the Brandon University Foundation’s major awards for 2015. Verda and Dick McDonald are this year’s recipients of the Brandon University Foundation Honourary Trustee Apex Award, and Jared Jacobson is the newest recipient of the Brandon University Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award.

The Honourary Trustee Apex Award recognizes meritorious service and leadership to the Brandon University Foundation. Verda accepted the award today on behalf of herself and Dick, who passed away last fall. The McDonalds’ association with Brandon University, then Brandon College, began when they met as students in 1952. Verda received her Bachelor of Arts in 1955 and her Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1956, and Dick completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1960 and later his Bachelor of Education degree. They were both, and Verda continues to be, avid supporters of the BU Bobcats, and in 2006 both Verda and Dick were inducted into the Brandon University Athletics Sports Wall of Fame, which was renamed the Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame in their honour in 2013. The McDonalds have given generously to Brandon University both as volunteers and through significant financial support.

Jared Jacobson is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership in coordinating and motivating others for fundraising projects in partnership with the Brandon University Foundation. Since 2012, Jared has played a lead role in fundraising for Brandon University initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from BU, and is CEO of J&G Group of Companies. Jared’s dedication to fundraising efforts for the Healthy Living Centre (HLC) helped the University meet and surpass a matching funds commitment set by the Richardson Foundation in 2014 through BU’s Score a Seat campaign. As a volunteer, Jared personally sold 40 seats, totalling $40,000. Jared and J&G Group of Companies are also generous donors to Brandon University, having committed $75,000 over the last several years in support of the HLC.

“The goal of the Brandon University Foundation is to ensure we serve today’s students and to secure our legacy for the future,” said Nathan Peto, President of the Brandon University Foundation. “On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to express my deep gratitude to BU’s generous donors for their support in helping us achieve our mission, and my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s award recipients, Verda and Dick McDonald and Jared Jacobson, for their dedication to Brandon University.”

Also recognized today were donors to BU who have reached a new level in the University’s recognition program. The Order of the Sheaf is an honour society that recognizes those individuals whose financial support has helped to ensure the advancement and quality of higher education at Brandon University. Membership in the Order of the Sheaf begins automatically when a donor reaches a cumulative gift level of $1,000 or more.

“We are delighted to welcome many of Brandon University’s generous donors, partners and friends to campus on this beautiful day of celebration,” said Dr. Michael Kim, Acting Associate Vice-President (External). “The outstanding commitment to Brandon University demonstrated by our supporters is an inspiring example of the impact we can have on of the future of our students and the communities we serve.”

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, and educates students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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