Best of CASE District VIII Award
 

Institution: Thompson Rivers University Foundation

Title of entry: Gaglardi family makes historic donation to TRU

About this entry: In January 2021, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) confirmed a $10 million gift to support its School of Business and Economics. The gift came from Bob Gaglardi and his four children, who wished to honour their father. In recognition of this gift, TRU named its School of Business and Economics after the donor: the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. The funds primarily support a future academic building for the Gaglardi School at TRU’s Kamloops campus.

The Gaglardi family has strong roots in the Kamloops community. Phil and Jennie Gaglardi were the parents of Robert (Bob) Gaglardi; Phil served as MLA and Mayor in Kamloops. Bob grew up in Kamloops and still calls the city home, though he lives in Vancouver. He founded Northland Properties Corporation in 1963, and the company — now worth billions — is still family-run.

A comprehensive communications plan and announcement event were planned to publicize the donation and naming. This full-length video submission was part of the plan. Key messages:
• The $10-million gift from the Gaglardi family is the largest philanthropic gift in TRU’s history.
• In recognition of the gift, TRU is renaming its business school the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics.
• In four decades, Bob Gaglardi turned a $5,000 loan into the largest family-operated hotel and entertainment investor in North America. Gaglardi and his children have an enduring connection to his hometown of Kamloops.

This video tells the Gaglardi story in a clear, effective and heart-warming manner.