Goodes Challenge kicks-off 2000

January 2000 marked the launch of the Goodes Challenge. A celebration at Stock Market Place in Toronto honoured Mel Goodes, BCom'57, and thanked him for his $10 million gift to the School of Business, which laid the foundation for the $25 million project to construct a new home for the School. But Goodes' donation was not without conditions: he challenged friends, alumni and corporate leaders to raise the remaining $15 million to make the building a reality."

"I know the difference philanthropy made to me," said Goodes, in a clip of a CNN documentary aired at the celebration, expressing his appreciation for the sacrifices his parents made so that he could have an education. "Now it's my turn to give something back." Goodes Hall was named in honour of Mel's father.

"The remarkable level of alumni and private sector support for Queen's has always been a key factor in my decision to support the business school," said Goodes. "The loyalty and generosity of these donors speaks volumes about the quality of the university and the kind of value systems that are implicit in it. I am confident that Queen's many supporters will step up to complete this project - and I urge them to do so."

Principal William Leggett and Dean Margot Northey officially accepted the challenge from Goodes, and expressed confidence in raising the balance of the funds. "What makes Mel's outstanding financial support for Queen's School of Business so gratifying is that it's accompanied by a genuine love for the University," said Northey. "We are delighted to accept the challenge to raise the remaining funds required to build our new home, and we do so with great inspiration from Mel Goodes."

Pictured: Commerce Society President Erin Young, BCom'00, with Mel Goodes, BCom'57, awarding a traditional Commerce jacket to the School's benefactor.