A transformational change in 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 engineering education is on the horizon, thanks to an unparalleled gift from financial-services entrepreneur and 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 University alumnus, Stephen J.R. Smith (Sc鈥72, LLD'17).
In what is now the largest donation of its kind to an engineering faculty in Canada, Mr. Smith鈥檚 gift is founded on his commitment to nurturing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, supporting the engineers of tomorrow, and preparing and empowering 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 engineering graduates to confront society鈥檚 most pressing challenges head-on.
The impact of the gift will be recognized in 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 engineering graduates who will be equipped with the practical and technical skills, and the multi-disciplinary and experiential academic background to make a difference around the world.
At a special event in Mitchell Hall today Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane acknowledged this extraordinary gift and announced that in recognition of Mr. Smith鈥檚 $100-million donation the faculty will now bear his name: the Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 University, to be known colloquially as Smith Engineering.
鈥淭he education I received as a student at 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 was foundational to the success I鈥檝e achieved in my professional and personal life,鈥 says Mr. Smith. 鈥淚 have long admired 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 commitment to STEM education and research, and I am proud to be able to contribute as it transforms engineering education to prepare graduates to address the greatest challenges of our times.鈥
In 1972, Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 and has since become one of Canada鈥檚 most successful financial entrepreneurs and a leading philanthropist. He is the Chairman and CEO of Smith Financial Corporation, which has significant equity investments in a range of financial services businesses: First National Financial Corporation, Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Corporation, Fairstone Bank of Canada, Peloton Capital Management, Equitable Bank, Glass Lewis & Co., and Home Capital Group.
Beyond his business ventures, Mr. Smith actively supports Canadian culture by making substantial contributions to the arts, history, and numerous charities. 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 bestowed Mr. Smith with an honourary degree in 2017 to celebrate his contributions to the university, the local community, Canadian society, and to the world.
鈥湽91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 is incredibly grateful for this remarkable gift from such a distinguished alumnus and outstanding Canadian as Stephen Smith,鈥 says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, who announced Mr. Smith鈥檚 donation during an official celebration event on November 2. 鈥淪tephen鈥檚 transformational gift will benefit faculty and students for generations to come. The significance of this investment and the renaming of the faculty herald a new era for engineering education at 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 and underscores our university鈥檚 commitment to shaping a better future for people and the planet.鈥
The majority of the $100 million gift will be endowed to provide an enduring legacy of talent and resources from around the world for generations to come. The balance will facilitate the development and implementation of groundbreaking programs, as well as investments in research, technology, and equipment.
鈥淭his gift is about our students. It is about re-imagining engineering education to prepare them to help solve the grand challenges facing humanity,鈥 says Kevin Deluzio, Dean of Smith Engineering. 鈥淚t is about changing what we teach and how we teach to equip our students with deep technical knowledge and an awareness of societal factors.鈥
Smith Engineering is now positioned to pioneer transformative advancements in engineering education, including problem-based and multidisciplinary learning, competency-based education, and experiential opportunities.
鈥淣ew generations of 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚 engineers will blend top-tier technical expertise with a deep understanding of society and the world,鈥 says Dean Deluzio. 鈥淥ur graduates will be equipped to tackle the major challenges of today and tomorrow, developing modern solutions that prioritize human and environmental needs.鈥
This is Mr. Smith鈥檚 second notable gift to 国产91尤物福利在线观看鈥檚, following his $50-million contribution in 2015 to bolster the university鈥檚 leadership position and its business school鈥檚 reputation both nationally and internationally. Since then, Smith School of Business has attracted top-tier talent, advanced innovative programs, and garnered national and international acclaim.
Learn more about Stephen J. R. Smith鈥檚 remarkable gift and the future of .
This story first appeared in the 国产91尤物福利在线观看's Gazette.
