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National Philanthropy Day is November 15 this year. In recognition of this day for generosity and giving, we recognize the support of alums like Brian and Janis Traquair, who went above and beyond to support students in their academic journey.

They helped young people who were worried about the cost of attending university through the Traquair scholarship, a charitable initiative they created.

For these high school sweethearts, their experience at the university helped to shape their lives, leading to successful careers and lasting relationships.

“We made lifelong friends at ��ݮ��Ƶ,” Janis says, remembering how the close-knit community in her honours French program helped her cope with first-year homesickness. “And we felt that we had received a good, thorough education that prepared us for what came after.”

Today, Brian has retired from the software industry. He now advises financial technology start-ups and provides pro-bono consulting to the not-for-profit sector. Janis is active in their Toronto neighbourhood and church community.

The couple started a charitable foundation as a way, Brian says, “to teach philanthropy by acting and doing.” The foundation assists children, youth and women to overcome poverty, abuse and neglect.

Read more about the Traquairs and the students they help on ��ݮ��Ƶ News.