Already counted among the School's most enthusiastic supporters, 1977 alumnus Jim Shaw and his wife Kathryn have forever altered the future of Shawnigan Lake School with the largest single gift in the history of Canadian independent schools.

 

The $19-million committed by Mr. and Mrs. Shaw comes as part of Shawnigan's $40-million Building on Strength Campaign. Coinciding with the School's Centennial year in 2016, this ambitious plan is intended to secure Shawnigan's future as it enters its second century. The campaign includes a $25-million capital goal that will revision its iconic Main Building as a Learning Commons, and $15-million designated to enhance the School's endowment. To date, more than $32-million in cash and pledges has been raised.

 

"This is a truly monumental day in the history of Shawnigan Lake School," said the School's Headmaster, David Robertson. "We have been fortunate to enjoy a wonderful relationship with the Shaw family for many years, but this commitment by Jim and Kathryn secures Shawnigan's place as one of the top independent schools, not only in Canada, but anywhere in the world."
 

$11-million of the Shaws' gift has been allocated toward capital projects, including the construction of a Centennial Library. When completed, the library will be the centerpiece of the Learning Commons, equipped with the latest in educational and technological advancements, including an immersive simulation room and multi-functional, adaptive study areas. At the same time, it will be designed in a manner that maximizes its idyllic surroundings.
  

The remaining $8-million comes in the form of a donor-managed fund that will see $500,000 in annual support provided for the Shaw Family Scholarships. The scholarships are a vital component of Shawnigan's overall financial assistance program that offers much-needed funding for the 25% of the School's students who receive support each year. Mr. Shaw created the Shaw Family Scholarships in 2004 with the plan of helping five students on a yearly basis. With this new commitment, the Shaws will be able to assist up to twenty students annually. Among the innovative elements of the scholarship is a pledge, signed by each recipient, committing to giving back at some point in the future, helping another young person benefit from the "Shawnigan Experience."
 

"Shawnigan is one of the top schools in North America, and we are delighted to be able to offer our support with this gift," said Mr. Shaw. "I know my time at the School had a profound impact on the man I am today. Kathryn and I believe in the School, its vision and, most importantly, in the possibilities it offers young people. It is an honour to help Shawnigan continue in its mission."

After graduating from Shawnigan, Mr. Shaw enjoyed an extremely successful career as CEO of Shaw Communications Inc., one of Canada's largest telecommunications companies. Having retired from the position in 2010, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw now reside in Calgary, Alberta. In addition, they maintain residences in Kelowna, BC and Chester, Nova Scotia. The family has always maintained a connection to Shawnigan, with Kathryn sitting on the School's Board of Governors and Jim, a former Board Member himself, enjoying regular contact with each year's Shaw Scholars.

This momentous occasion comes at a poetic moment for Shawnigan, just nine days after the School's 98th birthday. With efforts to reach the $40-million goal in time for 2016 now fully underway, the momentum provided by Mr. and Mrs. Shaw cannot be overstated, nor can the gratitude offered them for their transformational gesture.

"This campaign was envisaged with the dual goal of creating a location that inspires students to strive for excellence, and ensuring our ability to offer our unique brand of education to those young people, regardless of financial circumstance," Mr. Robertson reflected. "Jim and Kathryn Shaw's extraordinary generosity will help guarantee our success, not only in the short term, but for the next one hundred years and beyond."

See what local media is saying about this unbelievable news:

Times Colonist - Shaw family donates $19 million to Island boarding school
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial - Former Shaw CEO donates record-setting $19 million to Shawnigan Lake School