More than 300 alumni and students of the School of Sports Administration (SPAD) came together Oct. 15 and 16, with a full slate of events during the SPAD 50th Anniversary, raising more than $50,000 in donations to support students.
Events were headlined by a fundraising gala at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, which attracted graduates from all 50 years of the program’s history. From CEOs of major corporations to current and former general managers of professional sports teams, graduates were eager to reconnect with former classmates and professors.
Fiftieth anniversary events then extended into Sudbury, where graduates spent time volunteering at the Elgin Street Mission, leading a hockey equipment drive and making new connections at the many social events.
The School of Sports Administration dates back to 1972 and boasts over 1,300 alumni, many of whom are active donors and regularly contribute to the advancement of the SPAD program. The school will welcome another 70 students into their ranks in September 2023
“Our committee members deserve all the credit for the success of this event. We’re proud to have brought people together and to have supported students at the same time,” said Diane Mihalek, 50th Anniversary event chair and SPAD alumni advisory board member.
“It was great to be able to see so many people I spent time with at Laurentian, and people I’ve since met in the sports industry that are SPAD grads,” said Ken Derrett, Laurentian University Honorary Degree recipient and SPAD Advisory board member. “We’re everywhere and that’s a credit to the long history of passionate alumni and dedicated faculty members.”
Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about SPAD at Laurentian University’s Fall Open House on Oct. 22.
