As the third generation of his family to run Kitchener-based Electrohome Ltd., John Pollock (LLD Honorary ’07) is a keen supporter of higher education who continues to invest in the University of Waterloo. In addition, Pollock, founder, president and CEO of Blairtech Investments Ltd., is involved with Wilfrid Laurier University and was its chancellor for three years.
The well-known philanthropist and community leader has personally given more than $500,000 to support various campus projects, and is the lead volunteer on the Hagey Hall Hub Founder’s Hall Campaign.
Following in the footsteps of his father Carl, who was instrumental in shaping the University’s vision as a member of the first board of directors, Pollock exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and active member of the community.
Although he has many philanthropic interests, post-secondary education continues to be a primary area of focus, and he chooses to support Waterloo because of its unique contribution to several fields of study. His honorary degrees from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier demonstrate the great esteem in which he is held.
“The University of Waterloo has distinguished itself in a number of fields, not only here in Canada but worldwide,” Pollock says. “Its reputation is exemplary and it is a pioneer in many areas, having established itself as one of the first co-op programs in Canada and having a world-renowned Faculty of Engineering. These are achievements that are unique for a Canadian university with such a relatively short history.
“Post-secondary education has been the one area that I have focused on beyond all others because it is an area that is fundamentally important to our community and country. Education gives people opportunities to pursue careers that are interesting and rewarding, and it is vitally important to the well-being of society.”
In addition, Pollock played an active role with the Art Gallery of Ontario, Junior Achievement in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Grand River Conservation Authority plus other organizations such as small high-tech startups, which round out his involvement in the community.
“Co-op education and its highly regarded engineering programs are among the things that make Waterloo unique — and these factors are the reasons for people like myself and many others to support what the University is doing.”
