Laurier University announced the two recipients of this year’s Laurier Society Philanthropy Awards. One of the awards was given to a local accounting firm in recognition of their long term support of the University.
Millards Chartered Professional Accountants was recognized for their extensive involvement in supporting the University, both, financially and through support of Laurier programs by Partners’ and staff.
Brian Rosborough, Senior Executive Officer credits the outstanding generosity of Laurier’s donors for expanded services and innovative programs and initiatives.
“We receive funding from the province for our core programs but we count on the generous support of our community donors and partners to go beyond. The impact of philanthropy on an organization like ours is substantial and this event allows us to highlight some of our contributors and celebrate their achievements.”
The Laurier Society Philanthropy Awards program noted Millards contributions.
“Millards have been loyal supporters of Laurier, donating more than $100,000 to the Brantford Campus over the past 17 years. Partners of the firm have established the Millards Chartered Professional Accountants Scholarship, an endowed scholarship awarded annually to a Laurier Brantford student and most recently, the firm and the Partners made a generous commitment to support LaunchPad – Laurier’s startup incubator – in Brantford.”
Rosborough says that the LaunchPad program is an important venture for Laurier and a unique opportunity for students and area youth.
“LaunchPad is an Entrepreneurship Program for those interested in launching a new business or social enterprise. The program gives students and youth a platform to test drive their ideas and determine if their startup is viable. Millards has supported the program in a number of ways including an annual $5,000 prize for student innovators and pro bono consultation and advice for budding entrepreneurs as they work through their planning”
Laurier’s growth has been major factor in the revitalization of Brantford’s downtown core and Rosborough praised Millards for their like-minded commitment.
“Millard has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the downtown core and we see them as an important partner in downtown revitalization. Their decision to invest in Brantford’s downtown makes them a valued partner for the University and for the city.”
Darin Cleary, CPA, CGA, CFI, LPA and Partner at Millards accepted the award on behalf of the firm.
“Today you are thanking us for our philanthropy but we are the ones who should be thanking you. There has been a lot of talk tonight about creating change but Laurier is the one that has changed our downtown community and for that we are forever grateful. You have no idea what you have done for Brantford.”
Cleary also credited Mike Terdik as the driving force for many of the Laurier projects. Terdik, CPA, CA, LPA and Partner at Millards is a Laurier alumni and proud supporter of the University and its initiatives.
Mike Terdik
CPA, CA, LPA, Partner
Millards Chartered Professional Accountants
“Mike deserves most of the credit for our involvement as he spearheaded our Laurier projects for us.”
Terdik, a Laurier graduate from ‘81 sits on the Senior Executive Officer’s Advisory Council for Laurier’s Brantford campus. He says that the connection between Millards and Laurier is a good fit.
“Part of my administrative responsibilities with Millards is community support, advertising and promotion. Laurier has become an integral part of Brantford and our common goals for a better downtown and city make this an ideal relationship.”
The LaunchPad Entrepreneurship Program is the latest Laurier initiative sponsored by Millards and one that Terdik believes has much to offer.
“Launchpad provides participants a forum to meet with mentors, a discussion around their concepts and a market test for their ideas. We believe this new local program will launch innovation and Millards is excited to supported the program.”
Laurier has been the catalysis for incredible change and growth in Brantford. The downtown core in particular has benefited from Laurier’s aggressive expansion but there’s no question that the University offers opportunity and value on a multitude of levels. The 2016 Laurier Society Program offers a simple thanks to all donors.
“As a donor to Laurier, it is your donations that afford us the ability to enhance and expand the Laurier student experience. Thank you for being a Laurier champion. Thank you for helping to inspire lives of leadership and purpose.”
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