Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union celebrates milestone anniversary with transformational gift

April 14, 2026
For Immediate Release

The Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union is celebrating 50 years with a gift of $1.25 million to the university in support of the Laurier 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,” said Ryan Jobby, outgoing Students’ Union president and CEO. “At the heart of it all are our students; they are the reason we exist and the driving force behind everything we do. Celebrating this milestone is ultimately about celebrating them. By giving back, we are reaffirming our commitment to a student-first approach and ensuring their success remains at the centre of our work.”

The Students’ Union’s gift will be directed to the following areas: $250,000 will support the Students’ Union 50th Anniversary Volunteer Bursary Fund; $250,000 will support the Leanne Holland Brown Student Emergency Fund; $250,000 will support Milton Campus Student Experience; $250,000 will support Brantford Campus Student Experience; and $250,000 will support Waterloo Campus Student Experience.

“This is an exceptional gift benefiting students across all of Laurier’s campuses, celebrating five decades of the Students’ Union’s engagement at the university,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “As one of our key partners in student experience and success, the Students’ Union continues to build, in a significant way, on our shared vision to inspire lives of leadership and purpose through holistic support and vibrant campuses.”

Students’ Union and university leadership, students, staff and volunteers gathered on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Turret on the Waterloo campus to celebrate the gift.

“Gifts from the Students’ Unions are particularly meaningful as they come from students we work so closely with and share leadership with to ensure quality experiences, and because the Students’ Union is so invested in student life, service, and experience and they know so well what students need,” said Kate McCrae Bristol, vice-president, student affairs.

The Students’ Union 50th Anniversary Volunteer Bursary Fund will recognize the important contributions of student volunteers and help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from engaging in opportunities for leadership, community, and personal growth.

The gift to the Leanne Holland Brown Student Emergency Fund is endowed and will directly support Laurier students facing unforeseen financial emergencies such as unexpected health or medical costs, loss of housing, or food insecurity. The fund ensures that students facing such hardships are still able to pursue their education at the university and achieve their academic and professional goals. It was established in honour of the lasting legacy of leadership and inspiration left by Leanne Holland Brown, dean of students, who passed away suddenly in 2019.

Support of Student Experiences across the Waterloo, Brantford and Milton campuses will fund programs and initiatives that enhance student wellness and experiences. The Milton Student Experience Fund will also be endowed.

Since 1975, the Students’ Union has given more than $40 million to support Laurier students, modelling a strong culture of philanthropy to Laurier students, enriching their experiences and broadening their vision.

About the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union

The Students’ Union’s vision is to empower its members to achieve. Its mission is to provide an outstanding Laurier student experience.

The Students’ Union heads more than 300 clubs and volunteer committees; offers services to support food security, safety, wellness, employment and more; and works to represent student interests to the university, provincial and federal governments.