Renewal & Expansion Campaign

Pedestrian connectivity is a focus of the Renewal and Expansion. The design integrates the College with the campus through an enhanced passageway between St. George Street and bpNichol Lane (shown here from the east) that blends seamlessly into the Innis Green.

Almost halfway there!

Join fellow alumni in supporting the Renewal and Expansion Campaign

WE’RE INNIS TOGETHER

We are approaching the halfway point of our $10-million fundraising goal. In true Innis fashion, this has been a community effort; over 240 exceptional donors, both alumni and friends of the College, have generously donated to our ambitious project. Leading the charge are Innis students themselves, who have collectively pledged $1.3 million through a special levy (i.e., a fee they pay alongside their tuition).

Now we need your support to reach our goal. Get ready for the most exciting chapter in Innis’s history—look for your invitation to our launch party in spring 2023.

WHY WE NEED A REVITALIZED INNIS

Innis College was built in 1976 for 800 students; now 2,200 are crammed in, giving us the least amount of space per student of any college on campus. But it’s not just a lack of physical space compromising students’ ability to study and socialize. Beyond more space, Innis desperately needs to update how it physically supports its vital learning-strategy, library, and writing centre services. These are central to the Innis experience and create a positive environment for student success.

Innis is an in-demand college, known for its vibrant and diverse community, excellent academic programs, and engaged students and alumni. To continue—and build on—that reputation, we are launching the $10-million campaign for the Innis College Renewal and Expansion.

SUPPORT YOUR COLLEGE NOW

Make a secure online donation now at uoft.me/innis-expansion or scan the QR code with your phone. There are also many other ways to give, including monthly or multi-year pledges and a planned gift (e.g., bequests, insurance policies). We invite you to learn more about giving opportunities that suit your personal circumstances and goals by contacting Innis’s development offi cer, Andrea Blackler, at 416-978-4492 or andrea.blackler@utoronto.ca or by visiting innis.utoronto.ca/renewal

Through the Renewal and Expansion, a new fourth-fl oor green rooftop will overlook the Innis Green courtyard. Garden beds will mitigate stormwater runoff and provide natural insulation.

Giving Back

Campaign leaders share unique reasons for their support

Meet Laura and Greg, two volunteer members of the Renewal and Expansion Campaign Cabinet, a group of alumni and friends mobilizing vital support for this unprecedented initiative.

GREG SUTTON (BA ’94 Innis)

When Innis Principal Charlie Keil reached out a couple of years ago to suggest I come back to the College for a tour and to meet him in person, I was excited, as so many great memories started fl owing through my mind. Innis College was my homebase at U of T, and home it was. To walk the familiar halls again felt comfortable, as though I was there a couple of weeks ago. When I heard all about the exciting expansion plans for the College, I knew right away that I wanted to help. A special part of my early adult years, both personally and professionally, Innis meant so much to me. From day one of “Innisiation,” my fi rst days of university were warm and welcoming. I met so many great people at Innis, long-lasting friendships that continue to this day.

My family and I are so fortunate and pleased to support Innis’s Renewal and Expansion Campaign so that a whole new generation of students can feel at home like I did.

Greg Sutton is president and CEO of Sutton Special Risk Inc., a globally focused insurance company specializing in coverage for professional athletes, entertainers, and executives.

Photo by Andrew Black

LAURA MURPHY

(HBA ’99 Innis)

Innis College provided me with a rich experience as a student, and paved the way for my life in ways I am so grateful for. It taught me about community, leadership, and the importance of making a difference.

Contributing to the Renewal and Expansion Campaign was an opportunity for me to give back. The improvements will enable students to thrive as they pave the way to their future as our leaders and changemakers. Seeing the commitment and passion for this project, both in leadership and students, made me want to get on board and be part of the legacy of this wonderful part of U of T.

An important piece of this legacy for me is the new green roof. When I was studying the environmental and social benefi ts of green roofs in the nineties, Innis supported what became a passion of mine, and granted me permission to raise funds to build a green roof (behind the old house) in 1998. That green roof has not survived the past 24 years; however, we now have an opportunity to make it an offi cial part of our shared legacy by building a new one. This would demonstrate Innis College’s leadership and innovation in green buildings and rooftops across campus and in Toronto.

Laura Murphy is a co-founder of VelocityEHS, an international software provider for environmental, safety, and sustainability management. An internship through the Environmental Studies Program (previously offered at Innis) inspired Laura’s career path.

A wonderfully generous commitment

Later Life Learning pledges $250,000 to Renewal and Expansion Campaign

Past LLL presidents Nancy Green and Henry Hill present Innis Principal Charlie Keil with cheques, commemorating the fi rst instalments of a $250,000 commitment to the College’s Renewal and Expansion.

Photos by Shayla Anderson

Over the last 40 years, Innis College has been a great facility for Later Life Learning (LLL), a collective community of highly engaged and interested learners. The academic setting of Town Hall, where our lectures are held, has greatly enhanced the learning experience for us. When we are not immersed in the Town Hall lectures, we are eagerly catching up with friends in the Innis Café, lobby, and hallways of Innis College. We’re also among the fi rst to sign up for Innis’s fi lm screenings and events. We feel very much a part of Innis’s diverse learning community.

We also deeply understand the importance of investing in education, and providing an environment that encourages and nurtures learning. When an opportunity arose to participate in Innis’s Renewal and Expansion Campaign, we were immediately there to support it. This ongoing relationship with Innis will continue to be mutually benefi cial for our members as well as the students of the College. A win-win situation! —Eunice Dong,

LLL member and former Donation Committee volunteer

LATER LIFE LEARNING

is a volunteer organization dedicated to allowing seniors to continue the lifelong process of learning. Offering a wide variety of stimulating courses and discussions, LLL has operated out of Innis Town Hall for 40 years, and provides student scholarships and awards. Innis College is deeply grateful to all LLL members and volunteers for their continuing generous support.