At the Heart of a Great Campaign

Like the University of Toronto’s motto, Velut Arbor Aevo (“as a tree grows through the ages”), the work of U of T’s campaign volunteers represents the roots that anchor the university’s traditions and support its mission to meet global challenges and prepare global citizens.

U of T’s Boundless campaign – which has raised more than $1.8 billion to date – benefits from extraordinarily dedicated volunteers across a breadth of activity. Within this group are volunteer leaders who work closely with U of T’s fundraisers to develop a campaign strategy and bring other donors to the table.

Brian Bachand, the executive director of advancement at the Faculty of Medicine, says the faculty’s campaign co-chairs, Dr. Michael Dan (MD 1984) and Brian (BA 1982 TRIN) and Joannah Lawson (MIRHR 1989), have been critical to the faculty’s success within the Boundless campaign. Along with making major financial contributions, each has taken a leadership volunteer role. “Despite their hectic schedules, Dr. Dan and the Lawsons put in countless hours to attend meetings, help us strategize on our philanthropic goals, and focus our efforts in the most efficient way possible,” says Bachand. “A strong network of supporters is critical to the success of any campaign.”

Dan says he supports U of T because he sees the university’s impact extending far beyond its walls. “There are countless ways to contribute time and resources to the important initiatives taking place at U of T that will truly make a difference in the health of Canadians,” he says. Brian Lawson concurs: “We give our time to U of T’s medical school because it is well positioned to conduct leading-edge research and to influence policy, education and how medicine is practised locally and globally. We are happy to be part of that.”