On Thursday afternoon (April 24), Nipissing University's Small Cafeteria was filled with warmth, conversation, and heartfelt appreciation as the Alumni & Advancement Team hosted Celebrating Generosity: In Appreciation of Staff & Faculty. This informal yet meaningful gathering offered colleagues the chance to come together, share in light refreshments, and reflect on the deep-rooted culture of giving that shapes our campus community.
Far from a traditional recognition ceremony, the event was a tribute to the collective spirit of generosity that quietly powers so much of what makes Nipissing special. Whether supporting students directly, championing campus programs, or contributing financially, staff and faculty play a vital role in creating opportunities and driving impact across the University.
"This isn't about individual recognition, it's about celebrating what we can achieve together," said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Each gift, no matter the size, reflects the deep care our faculty and staff have for our students and this institution."
And the numbers tell a compelling story. Over the past year, 57 staff and faculty members gave back as donors, making a total of 426 individual contributions. These gifts added up to more than $22,000, generating resources that have gone directly to work supporting students, programs, and projects that advance the University's mission.
Many of these contributions supported two key initiatives: the Student Support Fund and the Student Research Opportunity Fund. These funds are lifelines for students navigating financial strain and are catalysts for those taking their first steps into research, discovery, and academic exploration.
"One of the most inspiring things is knowing that a number of our colleagues give every pay period," said Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni & Advancement. "That kind of quiet, consistent generosity says so much about the culture we're building at Nipissing. It's not just about giving, it's about integrating generosity into the very rhythm of our work lives."
These gifts go far beyond numbers; they enable emergency aid for students in crisis, fuel ground-breaking research, advance Indigenous initiatives, and create welcoming spaces for learning and community. They send a powerful message: our students are surrounded by people who believe in them.
