Best of CASE District VIII Award
 

Institution: University of Calgary

Title of entry: Celebrating a visionary philanthropist

About this entry: In October 2022, the University of Calgary announced a historic gift from one of its longest-standing donors and champions, Dr. Joan Snyder, Hon. LLD’11 and launched a multi-channel, reputation boosting campaign that reached more than 65.5 million people. Joan, a visionary philanthropist and community builder, passed away April 7, 2022 at the age of 90. In a final act of generosity, she left an exceptional legacy gift of more than $100 million to community organizations. Her largest donation - $67.5 million – was directed to the University of Calgary to boost research, student learning and athletics.

Joan Snyder’s transformative gift was the result of decades of partnership, cultivation and stewardship of this inspiring donor. She chose to invest the bulk of her estate with UCalgary and trusted us to protect some of her most cherished possessions. She wanted her legacy to continue here.

The announcement was multi-faceted and focused on strong storytelling throughout various tactics. In addition to publicly honouring Joan Snyder at an in-person event, we celebrated the tremendous impact that will result from her continued and newly announced philanthropic investment to elevate sport-science research, establish new programs fostering equality and advancement of women and girls, and secure the future of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases.

Immediately following the public event, a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy was deployed to further honour Joan’s legacy, announce her significant donation to the University (and the community) and enhance our reputation in research and excellence.