Faculty, staff, and retirees put their big hearts for students on display

Giving to the heart of the matter

Each year, the University of Regina community demonstrates its commitment to student success through philanthropy. Members of faculty, staff, and retirees have been active in supporting students and programs at the University through the fourth annual Big Hearts Family Giving appeal.

Having a passionate and engaged community helps create and sustain a culture of philanthropy on campus, where students, programs and research benefit and achieve. Marc Butikofer, Director of Advancement, University Advancement and Communications

Big Hearts Family Giving gives the U of R community the opportunity to donate to the area of the University about which they are most passionate. In its first four years, Big Hearts Family Giving has raised funds for scholarships, research, and Varsity Sports, as well as student programs, including the Student Success Fund, Textbooks for All, or the latest initiative Feeding Knowledge, which helps students manage financial difficulties caused by high inflation and rising food prices. This year, a total of $86,601.36 was raised through Big Hearts Family Giving.

“Big Hearts Family Giving calls together the U of R community to make a difference in the lives of students through philanthropy,” said Marc Butikofer, Director of Advancement with University Advancement and Communications. “As faculty, staff, and retirees who dedicate our careers to the University, these donations are a testament to the passion we have for the incredible teaching and research which happens here. Every donation collected through Big Hearts Family Giving has an impact in some way on our students’ ability to not just attend, but also and most importantly succeed at the U of R.”

Going once, going twice

To wrap up this year’s Big Hearts Family Giving appeal, University President Dr. Jeff Keshen hosted the Big Bake Silent Auction. The auction featured donated desserts from faculty and staff, as well as several restaurants and businesses including Queen City Cakes, Golf’s Steak House, Momentum Café, The Diplomat, Memories Dining and Bar, Tero Parbon Cultural Association, Da Curry House, SaskMilk, Campbell and Haliburton Insurance, and Luther College. Staff and faculty took the opportunity to bid on their favourite desserts, and all proceeds went to Big Hearts Family Giving.

“With Big Hearts Family Giving, the U of R community has the opportunity to give back, and in cases like the Big Bake Silent Auction, have some fun,” Butikofer said. “Having a passionate and engaged community helps create and sustain a culture of philanthropy on campus, where students, programs and research benefit and achieve.”

To learn more about the student scholarships that faculty and staff help fund, see the Award Applications page.

Banner photo: University Advancement and Communications