Today, on National Philanthropy Day, U of G recognizes the 12,731 donors who gave a total of $31,334,587 last year. Their support helps students, faculty, staff, researchers and the campus community to improve life.

Behind every gift to the University of Guelph is a great story about a donor and what inspired them to give. Alumni Affairs and Development’s Impact Report, published today, features advancement highlights from 2018, and a collection of inspirational stories that illustrate the power of philanthropy and its impact on the University. Two of those stories are highlighted below.

Varsity Alumnus Keeps Gryphon Swimmers Afloat

Evan van Moerkerke, B.Sc. ’17, knows about early mornings and hard work. A competitive swimmer, he won a silver at the 2015 Pan American Games and competed for Canada at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

As a young alumnus of the University of Guelph, van Moerkerke supports the Adopt-a-Gryphon program.

“After all the support I received over the years as a varsity swimmer, the least I could do is give back,” says van Moerkerke. “Being a varsity swimmer made me who I am today, and I can only hope it will have that effect on many young student athletes to come.”

New scholarship gives back to international communities

To reinvigorate funding for incoming international graduate students who have experience serving disadvantaged populations in their home countries, Prof. Sally Humphries established a new  cross-college scholarship. The Sally Humphries and Leo Smits International Scholarship is a tribute to her late partner’s passion for community development and their joint advocacy for marginalized people, particularly in Honduras. The scholarship will support students in need so they can make life-changing contributions to agriculture and community empowerment in their homelands.