(October 2011)

We are fortunate to enjoy the support of a network that includes more than 6,000 alumni worldwide. Over the past six years as Dean, I have had the privilege of meeting many of you, and I always enjoy listening to your tales of your wonderful law school days. I am struck by how often you talk of the strong and positive influence Queen’s Law or some particular professor has had on you.

We are most grateful for your contributions to Queen’s Law, both your engagement with our students and faculty and your financial support. You are helping us to promote excellence in teaching and research and to maintain and enhance our rank in the top tier of Canadian law schools, with a financially accessible educational program that is global in scope.

Last year marked another record fundraising year for Queen’s Law, with more than $1.3 million raised to cover the cost of completely refurbishing our four basement classrooms and installing videoconferencing facilities in a newly renovated seminar room on our main floor.

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, joined by alumni at the firm, took the lead with an exceptionally generous pledge of $400,000 toward this project. The Faculty was pleased to name our largest renovated classroom in honour of the firm. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP also made a most generous pledge of $200,000, and the Faculty was pleased to name our new videoconferencing seminar room in its honour.

Our donors continue to make gifts at higher levels than ever in the history of Queen’s Law. For the past four years, our total annual donor support has averaged $1 million, almost triple the amount of six years ago.

If you are one of our contributors already or will be making a gift soon, thank you for your generosity. It is your support that makes it possible for us to continue to offer our students a first-class legal education and to build with pride on our tradition of excellence.