London, ON. - Health Sciences students at The University of Western Ontario are the beneficiaries of a $5 million gift from Arthur and Sonia Labatt. In recognition of this generous gift, the new Faculty of Health Sciences building has been named in the couple's honour. The announcement was made at Western this morning.
The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building, located just north of where J.W. Little Memorial Stadium used to stand, houses state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, including a simulated hospital ward, a simulated home care unit, and a 3-D Virtual Theatre. It provides unparalleled teaching and research amenities.
$500,000 in support of The Western Fund"This building reminds us of how fortunate Western is to have supporters such as Arthur and Sonia Labatt," says Paul Davenport, Western's President. "They believe in this University, in the value of post-secondary education and in supporting the fields of health and research. The Labatts also recognize the important role that universities play in securing the future economic and social health of the country. Their gift speaks volumes about their commitment to Western, to London and to the greater good of all."
Arthur and Sonia Labatt are widely recognized for their philanthropic activities in both corporate and community sectors. "There are so many worthwhile causes in the world - it is difficult to select those to focus on," says Arthur Labatt, who also serves as Western's Chancellor. "Sonia and I have given this conundrum some careful thought and have decided to focus on education, health and research. Although we continue to support a few non-government organizations, here and abroad, our major focus will be directed towards Canadian institutions that are leading edge - and Western certainly fits into this category."
The Faculty of Health Sciences includes the Schools of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Kinesiology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy as well an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Health Sciences program and interdisciplinary graduate programs in Rehabilitation Sciences. The Faculty also boasts three research centres - the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, the National Centre for Audiology and the International Centre for Olympic Studies. The Faculty's graduate and graduate professional programs are among the most research-intensive in Canada.
"Quality and innovation are integral in the Health Sciences and Arthur and Sonia's gift has helped to realize this beautiful new building with its state-of-the-art features," says Jim Weese, Dean of Health Sciences. "We're also delighted to have them support our Chair's position in Rural Women's Health and also bolster our support for Health Science graduate students. We are deeply indebted to Arthur and Sonia for their support."
About the Donors
Arthur Labatt grew up in London and his parents, Bessie Labatt and Ontario brewer John S. Labatt, were both generous donors and volunteers in the city. Labatt is a highly recognized and established leader in the fields of finance and investment. He is the President of Endiang Holdings Inc., until recently served as the Chair of AIM Trimark Investments and is well known as the one of the original co-founders of Trimark Financial Corporation. In 1997, Labatt was named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and in 1996 he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Sonia Labatt earned her Doctorate in environmental studies in 1995 from the University of Toronto. Her field of studies examined corporate response patterns to environmental issues, a focus she maintains in her present research. Currently, Dr. Labatt is an associate faculty member at the Centre for Environment, the University of Toronto, where she has initiated two graduate courses in her field of interest. Dr. Labatt has had an active record of public involvement. Currently, she is a trustee of the Hospital for Sick Children, and sits on the board of World Wildlife Fund, Canada.
For more information please contact Christine Roulston, Communications and Public Affairs at (519) 661-2111, ext. 85165.
