Donors share their “why” during National Philanthropy Day thank-a-thon

Remembering the first recipient of the University of Waterloo’s biomedical engineering degree. Celebrating friendship and the Class of 1970. Ensuring students have access to the resources they need. 

These are just some of the reasons donors say they give to the University and its affiliated institutions. And during Waterloo’s second annual thank-a-thon, donors shared dozens of stories like these. 

On November 14 and 15, staff in the Office of Advancement and colleagues from across campus phoned more than 1,400 recent donors and emailed thousands more. Their goal was to connect with donors on National Philanthropy Day — a day that celebrates giving — to thank them for the positive impact they make.  

“Donors create the scholarships and awards that attract talented students, and help fund many of the academic, extracurricular, entrepreneurial and career opportunities that make a Waterloo education so valuable,” says Salman Jivani, Associate Vice-President, Engagement. 

“In addition, you just have to look out the window to see donors’ philanthropy in action, helping to build cutting-edge facilities like the Innovation Arena and Mathematics 4,” Jivani adds. “And they support not just the buildings but the learning, research and creativity that take place there too.” 

President Vivek Goel and members of Alumni Council were among the volunteers who made thank you calls to more than 1,400 donors on National Philanthropy Day.

Callers reported that many donors were both surprised and pleased to receive a thank you. And the calls sparked insightful conversations about why people choose to support Waterloo. 

“I enjoyed hearing the back story behind donors’ gifts,” says Emma Arppe-Robertson, Marketing and Events Specialist in Advancement. One conversation that touched her was that of a recent graduate who has chosen to “pay it forward” by supporting student wellness.  

“She wants to make sure other students get the same support she did,” says Arppe-Robertson. 

“At Waterloo, we’re equipping students and researchers to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” Jivani adds.” We couldn’t do this without the commitment and investment of our donors.”