Magna International provides largest gift in Seneca’s history

October 12, 2016 · 0 Comments

Seneca’s major expansion at King Campus got a huge boost with the announcement of a $3-million donation from Magna International, Seneca’s largest-ever philanthropic gift.
The news came at the official launch of the expansion Tuesday, which included remarks from the Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, the Hon. Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Oak Ridges-Markham and Steve Pellegrini, King Mayor.
The King Campus expansion is a $104-million project, which resulted from a unique collaboration among Seneca, the provincial government, the Seneca Student Federation and the Student Athletic Association.
“We are delighted that Magna International has chosen to support the students at our King Campus,” said Seneca President David Agnew. “Time and again Magna has shown its dedication to strengthening communities across York Region. This contribution will help us welcome more students to King, where they will receive the education to become leaders in sectors like health sciences, public safety, social services and early childhood education.”
The $3-million gift will support the new 200,000-squre-foot building at King Campus, which will be named Magna Hall. The building will feature 25 classrooms, labs, a student centre, gymnasium and fitness facilities. This expansion will provide space to welcome an additional 1,500 students annually, increasing the King Campus population from 3,500 to 5,000 full-time students. Construction is scheduled for completion September 2018.
“Magna is committed to helping organizations in the communities where our employees live and work,” said Marc Neeb, Magna executive vice-president and chief human resources officer, who is also a Seneca alumnus. “We are pleased to be partnering with Seneca on this critical infrastructure expansion that will provide more postsecondary opportunities for students living in York Region.”
Sustainable practices have been built into every aspect of the plan. For instance, Seneca plans to utilize reclaimed water in the new facilities to lessen the impact on the local environment. The new build will also be certified LEED Gold in the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED®) rating system.
The provincial government has contributed $59 million to build the new facility, which is scheduled to be ready for classes in the fall of 2018.
Infrastructure Ontario is working with Seneca College to deliver this project using its Alternative Financing and Procurement model.
Ontario has invested $735 million in capital funding for colleges and universities since 2013-14.
“The new King Campus at Seneca College will provide students with a state-of-the-art facility where they can develop the skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow. I’m thrilled that our government recognizes that postsecondary infrastructure investment is critical to building up our province’s highly-skilled workforce, creating jobs and growing our economy,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
“This expansion means that more students in York Region and across the province will have access to higher education in a state-of-the-art facility in beautiful King City. I’m proud that our government is supporting a project that will see a total of 5,000 students access postsecondary education,” added Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham.