The University of Western Ontario paid tribute to fundraising leader Ted Garrard, who after 13 years at the university will be assuming the role of President and CEO of Toronto’s SickKids Foundation.
A special farewell gathering of senior administration, faculty, staff, donors and family was held in Garrard’s honour on Wednesday, June 24 at The Great Hall to recognize his contributions to Western.
Ted Garrard
Under his guidance as Vice-President (External), the university raised more than $600 million in donations. He will be leaving his post at the end of the month.
President Paul Davenport, who will also be retiring at the end of the month, describes Garrard as a fabulous leader, a person of integrity, patience and a team player.
“Ted has done extraordinary things for the university,” he says. “One of the reasons he’s been a success is he understands how the university works.”
Davenport recruited Garrard to the position in 1996 from the non-profit sector. Throughout his years at the university he has adopted a fundraising strategy that “wasn’t just about raising money. It was raising money for a purpose,” say Davenport.
“He’s transformed fundraising at our university,” he adds. “We are all going to miss him. He’s been a great leader here at Western.”
As Director of Advancement Services, Rosemary Lawrence-Pitt has watched the External portfolio grow under Garrard’s guidance.
“Ted gives much care to his team. He brought true direction to fundraising,” she says. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work and learn from the best.”
“This community has meant a lot to me over the years,” says Garrard, adding the key to his fundraising success has been building trusting relationships with alumni and donors.
Garrard also thanked his administrative assistant Maura Crilly, who will be retiring from Western on the same date as Garrard, for her support throughout the 13 years.
To view photos from Garrard’s farewell reception, visit Western’s Flickr gallery.