Student union gives Wilfrid Laurier University $1.25 million gift

A photo of the Wilfrid Laurier University sign, from the school's X social media account.

Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union has decided to mark their 50^th anniversary by giving the school $1.25 million to support students.

The union says $250,000 will be used to support the Students’ Union 50^th Anniversary Volunteer Bursary Fund, $250,000 will be given to the Leanne Holland Brown Student Emergency Fund and $250,000 each will be given to the Milton Campus Student Experience, Brantford Campus Student Experience and Waterloo Campus Student Experience.

“We wanted to do something meaningful to mark 50 years - something that reflects both how far we’ve come and where we’re headed,” Ryan Jobby, outgoing Students’ Union president and CEO, said. “At the heart of it all are our students; they are the reason we exist and the driving force behind everything we do.

A celebration was held on Tuesday at the Turret on the Waterloo campus.

The Student Union’s volunteer bursary ensures financial barriers don’t stop students from pursuing leadership, community and personal growth opportunities.

The Leanne Holland Brown Student Emergency Fund helps Laurier students facing unforeseen financial emergencies, such as health and medical costs, loss of housing or food insecurity. It was established in honour of Leanne Holland Brown who died suddenly in 2019.

The student experience funding provides money to pay for programs and initiatives aimed at improving student wellness.