McGill students hope $1 billion endowment will improve campus

WATCH ABOVE: As McGill University’s fundraising campaign comes to a close, Prof. Heather Munroe-Blum announced that the university raised over a billion dollars in nine years. Rachel Lau has details.

MONTREAL – McGill University announced that it has raised more than a billion dollars in the past nine years.

It’s an astounding number, especially in the context of severe cutbacks and under funding at Quebec universities.

“The success of philanthropy and the sustained investment and celebration of government in the importance of education are what will make our society, civil society great.” said Heather Munroe-Blum, principal of McGill University.

After a year of clamouring for more university funding from the government, McGill says it knows exactly where to put the money.

“Sixty- percent of our dollars is going to support students,” said Marc Weinstein, VP of Development and Alumni Relations. “This would include internships, scholarships, fellowships, post-doctoral students, libraries, a wide range of opportunities for our students.”

But talk to students themselves and they say McGill’s got it’s priorities all wrong.

It’s no secret that Munroe-Blum has racked over 1 million dollars in expenses during her 10 year mandate.

Some students are even suggesting the need for a clean-up of McGill’s top administration.

“It certainly isn’t fair,” said student Robert Smith. “They don’t really need that much money.”

“McGill’s financial priorities are not always where they should be,” added Kathryn Helian-Glick.

What current students are looking for is simplicity.

Little changes around campus that will make their learning experience better.

“The hallways are really dark,” said Jillian Agustin. “I think the light fixtures could be improved. Stuff like that.”

“Make new buildings,” said Andy Vu. “Make new classrooms, larger classrooms, more space.”

McGill tells us some of the buildings will see minor improvements thanks to the donations.

Yet, despite having a billion dollars in its endowment fund, McGill continues to insist the province has to step up to better fund universities.

“We need philanthropy in partnership with government,” said Munroe-Blum. “In partnership with what students can afford to pay for their education. To have the quality of education and research that we need.”

There’s no doubt a billion dollars in donations can go a long way.

However, it still remains to be seen if McGill students will see and feel the changes in their day to day lives on campus.