Oct. 22, 2020

John Simpson: Creating a caring community

After tragedy, generous gift builds comprehensive student mental health program

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John Simpson

Following the 2014 Brentwood tragedy that saw five young people senselessly lose their lives, Calgary rancher and businessman John Simpson, Hon. LLD’05, was inspired to create UCalgaryStrong — a dynamic, campus-wide initiative aimed at equipping students with skills to become grounded leaders able to cope with the stress of student life.

Earlier that same year, Simpson had pledged an undesignated $5 million to the University of Calgary’s Energize campaign with an eye to enhancing previous Simpson Family gifts in sports medicine and to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

When the tragedy occurred, Simpson was immediately moved to help young adults build personal resiliency – the result is UCalgaryStrong.

Learn more ways donors are making a difference: Meet the Energizers.