Â鶹AV

Senator Michael Meighen, with his wife, Kelly, marked his first day as co-chair of Â鶹AV's new fundraising campaign today by donating $5-million toward student advising and support programs.

"Montreal has always been my emotional home, and Â鶹AV has always been at the centre of my deep affection for this city," said Senator Meighen, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from Â鶹AV in 1960 and has maintained a close relationship with the University ever since – both as a generous donor, a Member-at-Large of the Board of Governors and chair of numerous committees.

"As is their style, Kelly and Michael Meighen have thoughtfully made a magnificent gift that reflects their dedication to the University and, most importantly, their dedication to its students," said Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum. Enhancing the learning environment and overall student experience at Â鶹AV is a major priority and the Meighens' contribution to the cause is "a spectacular example of generosity that I find truly inspiring," said Principal Munroe-Blum.

The $5-million will create the Kelly and Michael Meighen Endowment for Student Advising and Support, which will be used to strengthen student services such as the availability of academic advisors, support programs aimed at easing student integration into University life and fund special projects such as seminars.

Principal Munroe-Blum announced the gift at the launch of Campaign Â鶹AV, where she introduced Senator Meighen, former UN Ambassador Yves Fortier and Eugene McBurney, Chairman of GMP Capital Trust, as Campaign Â鶹AV's three co-chairs.

Urging others to similarly throw their support behind Campaign Â鶹AV, Senator Meighen said: "We simply will not be able to do this without private support and we will be reaching out to alumni and friends, not just in Montreal and Quebec, but across Canada and around the world."

On the Web: Campaign Â鶹AV