UQAM launches the largest fundraising campaign in its history

Yesterday, the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) launched its « 100 Million Ideas » campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in its history. On the eve of its 50^th anniversary, the University has set itself the ambitious goal of raising $100 million, and its plans are no less ambitious: millions of ideas to realize. Nearly $35 million has already been raised.

UQAM’s Rector, Magda Fusaro, notes that, since its founding in 1969, the University has contributed to the transformation of Quebec society. “Its actions, vitality and daring have made it possible to democratize access to higher education and to contribute to the scientific, social, economic and cultural growth of Quebec. Today, UQAM is calling on its partners, its graduates and society as a whole to participate in this major fundraising campaign. Together, we can give UQAM the means to pursue its mission with strength and conviction. Let’s give UQAM the means to achieve its dreams.”

According to Jean-Marc Eustache, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UQAM Foundation and President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat, « We are not the people we were before attending UQAM. After the UQAM experience, everything made sense. I never forget that UQAM made me the person I am. A quarter of a million of us have been shaped by UQAM. Our support is indispensable to this dynamic, open, humane institution, where ideas flourish. »

The campaign also can rely on the unfailing leadership and commitment of four co-chairs, all of them UQAM graduates: Richard Cacchione, President of Hydro-Québec Production; Louise Champoux-Paillé, certified corporate administrator; Dominique Dionne, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications at PSP Investments; and Philippe Meunier, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of SidLee.

UQAM has never been an institution to comply with established ideas and practices. Since its founding, it has taken a different – if not to say disruptive – view. But doesn’t progress arise from daring to do things differently? « As a graduate involved in the economic development of Quebec, I am personally convinced of that. That’s why I agreed to act as spokesperson and co-chair for this major campaign, which will be held over the next five years, » said campaign co-chair Richard Cacchione.

According to campaign co-chair Louise Champoux-Paillé: « UQAM plays a significant role in the life of each and every one of us, a role that surpasses a university education, that reaches beyond the perimeter of the campus to the nation and the world. »

Campaign co-chair Dominique Dionne believes that « the presence and influence of UQAM must continue to grow in its neighborhood, the city and beyond. Nearly 50 years later, some 260,000 UQAM graduates are playing an active role in the development of society. In every professional field, they are uniquely innovative and creative. »

And if there is something fundamental about UQAM, it is creativity, stresses Philippe Meunier, Campaign Co-Chair: « Being creative means not hesitating to shed conventions or to stray from the beaten path in order to make things happen. Creative, original spirits have a home at UQAM.”

Thanks to a campaign cabinet comprising 20 people who care deeply about UQAM and whose influence extends to all sectors of society, the goal is to raise $100 million by 2022 in order to support and implement projects in five areas:

UQAM illustrated that anchoring by unveiling an architectural projection entitled 100 Million Ideas. This projection, which will illuminate the façade of the Président-Kennedy Pavilion in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles until March, embodies the abundance of ideas and creativity at UQAM.

« UQAM is a place where millions of ideas circulate, » says rector Magda Fusaro. “These ideas are exchanged, are shared and collide to give rise to social debates and innovative projects, contributing not only to the advancement of knowledge but also to the betterment of our lives. UQAM has 100 million ideas just waiting to be realized. Let’s be daring with UQAM.”

For more information, visit the « 100 Million Ideas » campaign website:
http://100millions.uqam.ca

About the UQAM Foundation
The mission of the UQAM Foundation, founded in 1976, is to raise funds that will contribute to the vitality of training, research and creation at UQAM and promote accessibility by offering scholarships to university students. Thanks to the financial support of its generous donors, the Foundation raises funds for the University each year to ensure the development of promising projects and academic achievement in a number of fields of knowledge.
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About UQAM
Creative, open and dynamic, the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is a cutting-edge university with an international outreach. It is known for the originality and quality of its 300 programs, its research grounded in social concerns, and its innovation in the arts. Located in the heart of Montreal, UQAM has an enrolment of over 42,000 students.
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Source: Maude N. Béland, Press Relations Officer
Press Relations and Special Events Division
UQAM Communications Service
Phone: 514 987-3000, ext. 1707
beland.maude_n@uqam.ca
twitter.com/MaudeNBeland

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