November 15 is National Philanthropy Day, an opportunity to celebrate the generosity that strengthens communities.
At McMaster, philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping the student experience and supporting the research, resources and initiatives that help our campus thrive.
Donor generosity enhances the McMaster student experience in countless ways — from increasing access to scholarships and bursaries, to supporting health and wellness services, to expanding experiential learning opportunities across campus.
This National Philanthropy Day, we are shining a light on a special group of McMaster donors: Our incredible faculty and staff. Every year, hundreds of McMaster employees go above and beyond by supporting priorities across campus — from teams and clubs to research, scholarships and more. By choosing to give back, they lead by example, modelling a culture of philanthropy that strengthens our community.
Here is a snapshot of some of our generous faculty and staff donors and what inspires them to give.
Allan Fein (Staff)
Role: Research Coordinator, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research & the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research; Coordinator, Canadian Medical Cannabis Trials Network; and McMaster Fencing Coach
Proudly Supports: McMaster Fencing Team
Why do you give back to Mac?
“I’m proud to support the McMaster fencing team—a community that’s seen me through the ups and downs of life. As a first-year student, I struggled to find my place until coach Dave O’Donnell welcomed me to the team. The friendships I made have lasted a lifetime. Now, as a coach, it’s my honour to share my passion for the sport with 80–100 athletes each year. As costs rise for students, I feel it’s my duty as an alumnus to help keep this team thriving. Watching students support one another, work hard, and grow through both success and failure—that’s why I give.”
Ingrid Waldron (Faculty)
Role: Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health, Global Peace and Social Justice
Proudly Supports: Black Student Success Centre
Why do you give back to Mac?
“I give to the Black Student Success Centre at McMaster because of the important work they do to support the emotional, social and academic well-being of Black students on campus, making them feel seen and acknowledged in a space where they often feel alienated. I hope my support will help to sustain the Centre’s various projects and activities and I hope the message my support sends to students is that they hold value and are worthy of the kind of support the Centre provides to them.”
Sharlee Cranston Reimer (Staff)
Role: Specialist, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, DeGroote School of Business
Proudly Supports: Social Sciences Black Student Bursary & McMaster Indigenous Research Institute Prison Education Fund
Why do you give back to Mac?
“Supporting these funds is one way I live my values. While my contributions are not huge, this is a concrete way for me to be an ally to people who face significant barriers, and to say that we ALL benefit when environments are equitable, diverse and inclusive. I want to let these students know that they are brilliant and make incredible contributions to McMaster and to the world.”
Jim Dunn (Faculty)
Role: Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Professor, Healthy Aging & Society
Proudly Supports: University’s Greatest Needs
Why do you give back to Mac?
“McMaster is a big part of who I am. I was a student in the Arts & Science program and then did a Master’s in Geography at McMaster. After my PhD, I was a post-doctoral fellow in Geography, before I started as a professor of Health, Aging & Society in 2009. As someone who grew up in Hamilton, McMaster was a large presence, especially in our family. My father went to McMaster and when I was young, for a few years, our Friday night entertainment was attending McMaster varsity hockey games (yes, McMaster used to have a hockey team!). My wife and I were married at Divinity Chapel, and our wedding reception was at the University Club. Our oldest son will graduate in 2026, making us a three-generation family.
I support the University’s Greatest Needs to give the university the flexibility to direct resources where the need is greatest in the moment. Universities often need to pivot quickly, but face barriers in doing so. I would like to support the kind of flexibility that allows Mac to be nimble.”
Dylantha Fernando (Staff)
Role: Manager, Development, Faculty of Health Sciences
Proudly Supports: Various funds
Why do you give back to Mac?
“Donating is my way of telling students and researchers that I believe in their mission and that I am invested in their success. With rising costs and stagnant research funding, I am amazed at how donations supporting McMaster’s leading researchers in women’s health and mental health can benefit the lives of millions of people.
I first gave during McMaster’s inaugural Day of Giving in 2022 to support Black, Indigenous, and equity-deserving students. As a student, I was fortunate to receive the Class of 1957 Bursary and later realized it was not one donor, but many who came together to make that bursary possible.
I also make my gift each year on May 11, a nod to our first Day of Giving, and a reminder of the power of community in philanthropy.
Some colleagues give financially while others give through mentorship, committee service, or creating welcoming spaces for students. Whatever the form, it is about contributing to the community that makes McMaster so special.”
National Philanthropy Day reminds us that meaningful change is created through many small acts of generosity. Thank you to all faculty and staff who give their time, talents and resources to help McMaster grow. Your generosity — in all its forms — helps create a supportive, vibrant and inclusive McMaster.
Learn more about faculty and staff giving at McMaster or contact giving@mcmaster.ca.