UP FRONT

The Campaign for King Campus

Magna International provides largest gift in Seneca’s history

UNDER A BRILLIANT AUTUMN SKY last October, more than 100 Seneca students, staff members, donors, alumni, government officials and community members congregated at King Campus to celebrate the largest philanthropic gift in Seneca’s history.

Alumnus Marc Neeb announced that Magna International would be making a $3-million contribution to Seneca in support of the infrastructure expansion at King Campus. Marc, Magna’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, also serves on the Campaign for King Campus volunteer advisory committee.

“Magna is committed to helping organizations in the communities where our employees live and work,” says Marc. “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.”

Magna’s gift will support the new 200,000-sq.-ft. building at King Campus, which will be named Magna Hall. 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. Classes are scheduled to begin at Magna Hall in September 2018.

“We are delighted that Magna International has chosen to support the students at our King Campus,” says 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 news of Magna’s gift came at the official launch of the King Campus expansion, 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, Mayor, King Township.

This $104-million project resulted from a unique collaboration among Seneca, the provincial government, the Seneca Student Federation, the Student Athletic Association and donors like Magna.

“It brings me nothing but joy to see this new build becoming a reality,” said Hamid Najibullah, President, King Recreation Council, at the announcement. “It will mean a great deal to me and to many Seneca students and athletes who will benefit from the new facilities here at King.”