The Laurentian University School of Architecture will now be known as the McEwen School of Architecture, in recognition of a significant investment by Rob and Cheryl McEwen. A blue and gold banner bearing the McEwen name was unfurled outside the School in downtown Sudbury in June, as the McEwens announced a $10 million gift. Four million dollars will be used to complete the School’s $45 million state-of-the-art facility. The remaining $6 million will enhance the student experience and maximize their capacity to become agents of change for architecture globally.
“Investing in Laurentian’s School of Architecture is a thrilling and proud moment for us. This School’s focus on green and sustainable design, rooted in northern landscapes and community, is creating unique opportunities for the next generation of architects,” said Rob McEwen. “We are already seeing the impact the School has had on northern communities in its first three years, and we look forward to the innovation and excellence in design these young leaders will achieve in years to come.”
“We are immensely grateful to the McEwen family for this transformative gift,” said Dr. Terrance Galvin, founding director of the School of Architecture. “This investment will help us fulfill our mission to establish a unique and cutting-edge architecture program whose graduates will contribute to socio-economic and cultural development in the Northern latitudes across Canada and around the world. With his vision and enthusiasm, Rob will be a superb mentor to our students.”
Mr. McEwen is renowned as a visionary in the mining industry and in philanthropy. After a successful career in financial services and investment management, Mr. McEwen became one of Canada’s leading executives in the mining industry. He is the founder of Goldcorp Inc., which he grew from a small company with a market capitalization of $50 million to a global player worth more than $10 billion. He is currently the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc. (MUX on NYSE & TSX) and of Lexam VG Gold Inc. (LEX on TSX), which explore for and mine gold, silver and copper, in Canada, USA, Mexico and Argentina. Some of Rob McEwen’s awards include the 2003 Northern Miners “Mining Man of the Year” and the 2006 Canadian Business magazine’s “Most Innovative CEO.” He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007.
Rob and his wife Cheryl are passionate about encouraging and promoting excellence and innovation in education and health care. Their donations to furthering these objectives are in excess of $50 million.
Cheryl McEwen is Vice-Chair of UHN Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, which raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Canada’s largest medical research hospital complex. She is the founder and President of “Make my Day Foods,” the creator and manufacturer of the Veggie Puck, an organic, raw, frozen and nutrient-dense mixed vegetable serving ready to be blended into a daily smoothie. Cheryl is the Co-Chair of the Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival, which is recognized as one of Canada’s top fundraising events. This event annually assembles the finest wine and gourmet cuisine and the brightest minds in medical research. Grand Cru has raised net proceeds of more than $21.2 million for medical research since its inception in 2005. Cheryl is also very active in the strategic growth of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine.
“We are honoured to accept this generous investment by the McEwens in our School of Architecture, and proud that the School will be associated with Rob and his family,” said Steve Paikin, chancellor of Laurentian University.
“It is a great gesture of support for our School and our students, and we believe it is also a testament to the momentum and growing national recognition of our university,” said president and vice-chancellor Dominic Giroux.
The McEwen School of Architecture welcomed its charter class in September 2013. It will launch its Master of Architecture graduate program in 2017.