Speech delivered by Raymond L. McFeetors, Chairman of the Board, at a special ceremony hosted by the University of Winnipeg

May 2, 2008 – Winnipeg

Thank you. It is an honour to be here this afternoon to share the reasons behind my contribution to the University of Winnipeg’s new student residence – an exciting initiative which, I’m pleased to say, is also supported by Great-West Life.

It’s been many years since my days as a student from rural Manitoba living in residence on campus in the 1960s; however, my appreciation for what this University has contributed to my life continues to grow with each passing year. From my participation in theatre and emceeing comedy shows in Convocation Hall, to the dances featuring Chad Allen and The Guess Who, to my first opportunity to meet Pierre Trudeau and Rene Levesque, my university years were both a memorable and transformative experience.

So my contribution to the University’s new student residence isn’t a story about giving – it’s a story about giving back. I am honoured, as an alumnus of both The Collegiate and University, to make a gift today that gives back to this community in a way that will help others benefit, as I have, from everything the University has to offer.

I’m particularly pleased that McFeetors Hall will serve as a home away from home for rural and out-of-province students, mature students and their families, as well as international students.

The building’s name also includes “Great-West Life Student Residence” in recognition of a $1 million contribution from The Key to Giving™, the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. The motto of that program is Stronger Communities Together™, a statement that perfectly summarizes the reason for our corporate contribution to the new student residence.

At Great-West Life, we are committed to taking an active leadership role in strengthening the communities we serve. We share the University’s vision for the revitalization of its campus and surrounding neighbourhoods and take pride in the fact that this new facility will help bring renewed vitality and vibrancy to the inner city. We are pleased that future students, whether fresh out of high school or returning to school as mature students, will benefit from affordable, quality housing to help them achieve their dreams and goals in life.

McFeetors Hall is being built to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community. It’s also being built to high environmental standards consistent with the principles of sustainable development. It is a building that reflects a great deal of understanding not only about form and function, but of how the building can make a lasting contribution to the lives of the residents, neighborhoods and the city it serves. We are proud to be a part of it.

Great-West’s contribution to the new student residence represents a continuation of a long and fruitful association with the University of Winnipeg that’s included support for a number of capital programs, scholarships and bursaries. Over the years, the University has proven itself as a reliable source of talent for our company, so, again, there’s an element of “giving back” to the support we’ve announced today.

I’ve always believed that universities are about far more than mortar and mortar boards. They play an essential role in preparing youth for the challenges and opportunities life throws their way. There’s no doubt that The University of Winnipeg makes an enormous contribution to the life of this city and to our province. It’s made a difference in my life and I know it is making a difference for tomorrow’s leaders as well. I’m delighted to be in a position to contribute to the University’s ongoing success, and on behalf of myself and Great-West Life, I look forward to the opening of the McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence.

Thank you.