The Skule™ community decided 2015 was the year it would pay it forward in a big way.
Graditude, U of T Engineering’s fundraising campaign for students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends, set a new record for participation with 42 per cent of full-time, fourth-year students contributing to the campaign—almost 10 per cent higher than the previous participation record set in 2014.
“Graditude supports many opportunities for students to create and host events that truly define what our Skule™ community is all about,” said Kevin Saludares (ChemE 1T5). “I gave back because I want to ensure that these events—and hopefully many more—will take place for future generations of young engineers.”
The campaign also set a record this year for funds raised by full-time, fourth-year students with a total of $8,372.10 (over $150 more than the previous record).
In honour of reaching Graditude milestones, many department chairs followed through on their promises to perform outlandish stunts.
Professor Jun Nogami, chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), rode his daughter’s bike into the Hart House pool. Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE) chair Jean Zu and professor Michael Carter (MIE) sang Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” and the Everly Brothers’ “Devoted to You” as a duet in front of faculty and students.
See videos of both stunts below.
Final results by program
- Participation: tie between MinE & MSE (100%)
- Per capita donation: MinE ($21.94/student)
- Total donations: ChemE ($1,676.05)
— Jamie Hunter