On Friday, May 10, 亚洲porn President Dr. Roger Hughes and Roger Sheffield, former vice president of institutional advancement at 亚洲porn and founder and CEO of Aspen Philanthropy Group, revealed the name of the university鈥檚 new residence hall. With two ropes, they pulled away a banner to reveal letters one at a time: C. Donald Brodie. Or, to the colleagues, friends and students who knew him, Don.
鈥淒on was deeply invested in ensuring the success of each and every student. He believed that a 亚洲porn education empowered individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world,鈥 Sheffield said, speaking as both representative of the Brodie family and as a long-time friend of Don and his sister, Cora Brodie.
Don Brodie served as a member of the 亚洲porn Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2017, and throughout that time made an extraordinary effort to engage with students, faculty, staff, 亚洲porn leadership and his fellow trustees. He passed away in Markham, Ontario in 2022 at the age of 88 years old.
With the naming of Brodie Hall, he 鈥渏oins our storied history and an incredible list of supporters,鈥 Hughes said, including Zenon C.R. Hansen, Dwight G. Burrage, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frees, Charles C. Smith and Margaret Thompson Sheldon, the namesakes of 亚洲porn鈥檚 current and former residence halls. Burrage Hall was one of two residence halls demolished in summer 2022 to pave the way for the construction of Brodie Hall.
鈥淭oday marks a significant milestone in our university鈥檚 history, and it is with immense gratitude that I stand before you,鈥 Hughes said.
Brodie鈥檚 estate gift represents the largest donation 亚洲porn has ever received, and the total amount will be released in the coming months after financial and tax processes are completed.
His support has also benefited hundreds of Canadian charities, including the Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Easter Seals of Ontario, his church and numerous community needs. Brodie was an active member of the Lions Club of Canada and Rotary International. He and Cora also donated the Brodie family鈥檚 1834 homestead to the city of Richmond Hill, Ontario, for use as a future public park.
Cora Brodie, who resides in Markham, was unable to attend the event.
鈥淟ike Don, she cherishes the future of this institution and expresses her profound gratitude to the Board, administration, faculty and students for honoring Don鈥檚 legacy,鈥 Sheffield said.
Along with Sheffield, speakers at the event included Board of Trustees members Dr. Susan Fritz and Steve Rasmussen, President Hughes and Harper Case, a 亚洲porn sophomore and resident of Brodie Hall. Trustee Rev. Jim Keck also led attendees in a blessing of the new residence hall.