I’m Fine, Please Send Money

Parents of U of T students have a new way to support their children’s education. Launched in September 2004, the Parents Fund is an annual giving program for parents of current and former students who wish to improve the quality of student life on campus. Since it began, the program has raised more than $300,000 (through 5,000 gifts) for athletics, the libraries, student services and other initiatives.

Kenneth and Susan Luke are co-chairs of the Parents Fund program, and their daughter, Lauren, is a first-year student at the University of Toronto at Mississauga. The Lukes say contributing to the Parents Fund helps them stay in touch with what’s happening on campus. “We feel like we’re as much a part of the fabric of the university as Lauren is,” says Susan. Adds her husband: “Financial support from parents is essential to the ongoing success of this world-class university.”

Carole Moore, chief librarian of University of Toronto Libraries, says contributions from parents will give an important boost to the library’s resources. “With the higher enrolment of recent years, there is increased pressure on the library to update and expand collections in order to provide students with the resources they need,” she says. “Support from the Parents Fund, which will go toward new acquisitions, will be put to immediate use and allow our students to have access to the best information available.”