Laurentian University continued its funding streak Monday, with the announcement of a $3 million gift from Lily Fielding for the construction of a research, innovation and engineering building.
The money is on top of $24.7 million the school received last month for the project from the federal and provincial governments.
LU president Dominic Giroux said the Fielding family actually agreed to the donation in the spring, and it was part of the university's presentation when it made its pitch for funding.
“I cannot overstate how absolutely vital it was to receive this strong endorsement from Mrs. Fielding and her family as we prepared our formal pitch to government," Giroux said. "I know this gift was extremely well received.
"I can say with confidence that the research, innovation and engineering building could not have become a reality without your commitment, just as so many other wonderful things in this community would not have been possible without the support of the Fielding family."
The 47,000-square-foot building is part of a broader $60.7 million expansion the school aims to complete by March 2018.
Last month LU received $27.4M from federal and provincial governments "to create a 47,000-square-feet research, innovation and engineering building off campus as part of a broader program of $60.7 million could be completed by March 2018."
"I am beyond inspired and I'm truly humbled by your actions, Mrs. Fielding," Giroux said.
Fielding, who is 100, was present at the ceremony. Her son-in-law Jamie Wallace spoke on her behalf. It was fitting, he said, the ceremony was being held in the Brenda Wallace Reading Room, named for his late wife and Fielding's daughter.
"Our families have been involved with Laurentian University for many years,” Wallace said. “We believe in its leadership, and its vision for the future. I'm very proud to be her today to speak on behalf of my mother-in-law, Mrs. Lily Fielding."
He said Lily and her late husband, Cliff, always emphasized the importance of giving back and help whenever they could, particularly in the areas of health and education.
"And early on, Lily and Cliff were big supporters of getting Laurentian University located in Sudbury," Wallace said. "This place has a special place in Lily's heart, and of course, mine as well, as it is dedicated to my wife, Brenda, Lily's late daughter and a great mother to our three children.
"Today, Lily continues her family's tradition of selfless giving by investing in Laurentian University's new research, innovation and engineering centre."
He said the $3 million was in memory of Cliff, Brenda, as well as their late son Jim Fielding.
And Jennifer Witty, chair of LU's board of governors, said the family's generosity will be recognized in the formal name of the new centre.
"From this day forward, the research, innovation and engineering building will be known as the Clifford Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building,” Witty said.
