George Brown College Foundation at 40: Unmatched generosity

October 2, 2024

The George Brown College Foundation is lucky to have such incredible donor partners and influential leaders on its board of directors – two integral elements of the Foundation’s four decades of successfully supporting students and expanding innovative applied learning environments.

Every member of the donor community — from individuals looking to give back, families eager to invest in bright futures, and large organizations looking to support upcoming talent and give back to the community — helps make a difference in students' lives and move the college forward in exciting ways.

"As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we wish to thank all our generous donors for their support," said George Brown College Foundation Executive Director Allan Penning. "We would like to highlight our longstanding partners, whose contributions helped set George Brown College on an incredible trajectory of leadership in program development and delivery, innovation and developing graduates of choice among employers."

Pivotal George Brown College donors

Jack Cockwell's incredible $18-million gift helped the college build a global model of mass timber construction and a sustainable and beautiful learning environment. Limberlost Place opens at Waterfront Campus in January 2025.

The DelZotto family and Tridel continue to have an incredible impact on George Brown through their support of the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, BOLT scholarships and the annual Food Court Social. A donation from the DelZotto family established the Angelo DelZotto School of Construction Management, the first naming of an Ontario college school.

Sally Horsfall Eaton, George Brown College's first chancellor and the first chancellor of an Ontario college, continues energetically participating in awards ceremonies and charming students with her trademark sense of humour. The School of Nursing is named in her honour, and she and her husband, John C Eaton, have funded many student scholarships.

The Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC) continues to support their own through scholarships and two endowment funds – one dedicated to scholarships for domestic students and the other for international students.

The Janes Family has been a strong college partner in supporting students from equity-deserving groups. In 2022, the family donated $500,000 to fund new financial awards for Indigenous students, including an entrance scholarship and emergency funds and home visit bursaries. In 2020, the family donated $50,000 to support the COVID-19 Food Share Emergency Food Box program, as well as the Black Student Success Network and Indigenous Initiatives.

Let's hear it for the board!

The volunteer board of directors guides Foundation activities and strengthens ties to their sectors. The college community is grateful for every member who has donated their time to help George Brown College and its students reach their long-term goals and objectives.

"With strong business leaders guiding the Foundation as board members helps us forge strong bonds with industry partners, and they take notice of the potential at George Brown College," said Dr. Cindy Gouveia, George Brown's Vice-President of Global Partnership and President of George Brown College International and the former President of the George Brown College Foundation. "We also have George Brown alumni on our board who bring unique perspectives and demonstrate the exciting cycle of graduates giving back to the college."

Here are some remarkable board members, past and present:

Doug Turnbull, a former board chair who continues to be an active donor, is the Vice-Chairman of DBRS financial company.

Gerry Patava, a former board member and the President of Great Gulf.

Noella Milne, a former board member and George Brown College's current chancellor, has been a longtime supporter of the college. She's a senior partner at Border Ladner Gervais LLP and a dedicated mentor, volunteer and community leader.

Chris Campbell, a current board member and GBC graduate who promotes diversity in the skilled trades, is President of the Toronto Carpenters' Union Local 27 and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Representative at the Carpenters' District Council of Ontario (CDCO).

Damon Murchison, a current board member and President and CEO of IG Wealth Management, brings over two and a half decades of experience in financial investment management to the board.

Ray Williams, a current board member, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Financial Markets, National Bank Financial, and a GBC Continuing Education graduate, is a big supporter of Augmented Education and the Food Court Social. (He also makes a mean hot sauce!)

If you’re a donor, the Foundation is encouraging donations to the Fresh Start program to celebrate our 40th anniversary. This program aims to improve access to healthy and fresh foods for George Brown students.

If you’re a GBC student, find out how to apply for awards and scholarships.