There are times in life when the words “thank you” do not seem like they are nearly adequate enough – like when it comes to recognizing the individuals, families, organizations and businesses of southern Alberta who have given to the college.
Lethbridge College would not have a 60-year history of leading and transforming education if it were not for the support of community. From employees who give $10 a month to community and industry partners who give thousands, even millions, all gifts make a difference in the lives of students – now and for the years to come.
To recognize the support, the college nominated several donors for the 2017 Inspiring Philanthropy Awards, organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southern Alberta Chapter. Today, on National Philanthropy Day, Lethbridge College is pleased to announce two of those nominees are recipients of 2017 Inspiring Philanthropy Awards.
On Nov. 16, Cor Van Raay and the Lethbridge and District Auto Dealers Association (LADA), along with the other award recipients, will be recognized for their philanthropy and will receive their awards at the third annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon hosted by the AFP Southern Alberta Chapter.
Van Raay, local agricultural entrepreneur and southern Alberta philanthropist, will be honoured as the Individual Philanthropist award recipient. Van Raay has been a prominent supporter of the agriculture industry and of agriculture programming. In 2014, his gift of $5 million to Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge established the Cor Van Raay Southern Alberta Agribusiness Program.
The $2.5 million the college received is being used to support student awards, to develop academic programming – including the new Agricultural Enterprise Management diploma – and to establish an Agriculture Entrepreneur in Residence program that will create opportunities for students to gain practical, real-world experience while generating lasting effects for existing agriculture operations and businesses. The gift also supports the annual Cor Van Raay Agribusiness Case Competition co-hosted by the college and the university each fall.
LADA will be honoured as the Philanthropic Group award recipient. In 2011 when the new Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility was nothing more than a vision, Lethbridge College needed an early corporate partner to ensure that vision was supported by industry.
LADA became that supporter after many long walks through the halls of campus, meetings where LADA’s and the college’s shared vision and mission were discussed, and visits to see the effect in the classroom. Their pledge of $1 million to help bring the new trades and technologies facility to southern Alberta marked a pivotal moment early in the college’s Possibilities are Endless campaign. It made a solid statement that southern Alberta wanted in on this project.
LADA now comprises Bridge City Chrysler, College Ford Lincoln, Davis GMC Buick, Dunlop Ford, Integrity Hyundai, Lethbridge Toyota, Lethbridge Volkswagen, McDonald Nissan, McFadden Honda, Milestone Mazda, Murray Chevrolet Cadillac, Northside Lethbridge Dodge, Scougall Motors and Subaru of Lethbridge.