York University, Faculty of Education

www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=10863

Snapshot: The SEMgroup provided communications consulting services and logistical resourcing for fundraising towards York University’s launch of the Jean Augustine Chair in Education in the New Urban Environment, which integrates core concerns of teaching with themes relevant to the new urban environment including issues of social justice, equity, family, neighborhood and individual development. The Chair will support Canada’s next generation of teachers, educational leaders and researchers working to improve student schooling and academic success in metropolitan areas.

Results Delivered: Over 10,000 items including historic parliamentary artifacts, documents, international memorabilia, articles, photographs, and personal effects from Canadian icon Jean Augustine’s distinguished career were transferred to archivists at York University. Additionally, nearly 200 attended the official launch ceremony including the Leader of the Official Opposition; the Consuls General of Grenada, Switzerland, South Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia and Guyana; and students from metropolitan area schools. York University committed $1 million toward the new Chair, while the remaining $2 million is raised via external donors. More than $500,000 has already been raised through the community fundraising component.

Testimonial: “I had worked with SEMgroup before and had no doubt that the transfer, transition and launch would go smoothly. I was very pleased by the attention to detail and consistent follow-up. This will lend to years of support to teachers and educational leaders.”

-Dr. Jean Augustine, Ontario Fairness Commissioner, Former Minister of Multiculturalism