“My time at UM was exceptional. It took a lot of courage to leave my comfort zone, as I had never been anywhere outside of Hong Kong,” said Lau. “But right from when I landed here in Winnipeg, UM was there to welcome the international students and help us find accommodation. UM’s promotion of being hospitable to new students made it stand out from the other schools I looked at applying to.” 

After completing his Bachelor of Arts at UM, he went to the University of Toronto to complete his master’s degree. Initially he wanted to become a professor but during the time he was completing his master’s there was a recession in Canada and he noticed that many people with PhDs could not find jobs on campus. 

“Many PhDs were doing research work, which had very low wages,” he said. “Then my father decided to retire, and I had to step up and support the family and help my six siblings. Through my sponsorship, four of my siblings came to Canada as immigrants.”  

In 1981, Lau founded Tony Lau Insurance Agencies Ltd. in British Columbia where he continues today as President and CEO, overseeing four branches in Greater Vancouver. He is also one of the founding members of the University of Manitoba Chinese Alumni Association of Canada (UMCAA) and is serving as the current President. His activism has continued throughout his career in both business and charitable organizations. 

Over the past 25 years, Lau has generously donated over $300,000 to the University of Manitoba. His philanthropic endeavours have enriched the university experience for countless students and have contributed significantly to the advancement of international education and understanding on campus.   

“I was on a very limited budget as an international student. After paying for the flights and the tuition fee, and for the things I needed to live in Canada like winter clothing and boots, I only had about $700 left for room and board and other basic expenses to last for the eight months I was in school. I was on a student visa and wasn’t allowed to work during the school year, so that was a very scary eight months,” he said. “I tend to think of my venture into the business world as fate or destiny because I was able to make some money, which I’m now able to donate back to the university.” 

In recognition of the support he received as an international student and his desire to give back, Lau established an endowment called the Tony T.K. Lau Prize, which is awarded to the top student of a Chinese History course. In addition, the Tony T.K. Lau Awards for Volunteer Service to International Students fund aims to support student volunteers who have made a meaningful impact in the lives of international students, thus perpetuating a cycle of support and goodwill within the university community.  

Lau understands firsthand that feeling a sense of connection and belonging is critical to the successful transition of international students at UM. In recognition of his most recent gift of $100,000, the newly constructed Global Lounge in the International Centre was named in his honour – the Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge. Envisioned as a space that embraces diversity, global citizenship and cross-cultural exchange, the Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge will serve as an invaluable resource that supports students’ academic and personal growth, while also promoting intercultural competency and an inclusive and welcoming campus community. 

“I wanted to help make the space more inviting to people,” he said. “This lounge can serve as a platform for cultural exchange, where students from different backgrounds can share their cultures, traditions, and experiences. This will help build bridges between different communities and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.” 

In 2019, Lau also established an endowment named the Tony T.K. Lau Lectureship on Contemporary China at the University of Manitoba to bring distinguished individuals to UM to speak about contemporary issues related to China – ranging from trade wars and a slowing economy to human rights crises, social problems, environmental pollution and other timely topics. The lecture occurs once per year in September during Homecoming week with the goal of fostering cultural understanding and enhancing the university’s multicultural landscape. 

“In my time, I was lucky that people could come forward to support international students. Now I’m in a place where I can give back and hopefully that will inspire others to continue to support international students as well.” 

A hub for artistic excellence 

The Desautels Concert Hall is a testament to the University of Manitoba’s commitment to the arts and its connection to the broader Winnipeg community. This intimate venue, designed with acoustic perfection in mind, is equipped with professional-grade sound recording equipment, an orchestra pit, staging areas for both orchestras and choirs, and ample facilities for performers of all kinds. The hall’s design and infrastructure ensure it will serve as a versatile space for a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary arts. 

Michael Nesbitt [BA/57, BComm/56, LLD/15], a key supporter of the concert hall, underscores its significance. “Great universities deserve great artistic venues,” he said. “It seemed to me the logical thing to do would be to try and support the university in getting a concert hall that’s worthy of its name.”  

A beacon for the arts community 

The opening of the Desautels Concert Hall comes at a crucial time for Winnipeg’s arts scene and is set to fill a significant gap in the city’s cultural landscape. It is the only venue of its size in the south end of the city, making it a vital addition not just for the university but for the entire province.  

“Spaces like this demonstrate who we are as a civilization and what’s important to us, and I’m excited to see how the wider community will make use of the hall,” said Louise May [BES/86].  

May is the daughter of Shirley and William [CA/54] Loewen, who made a financial donation so the Desautels Faculty of Music could purchase a grand piano for the hall. The concert grand piano is among the best in the world – offering uncommon clarity, richness and nuance that will captivate audiences. It will serve as a wonderful complement to this new space.  

The power of generosity 

The Desautels Concert Hall is also a testament to the power of philanthropy in shaping educational and cultural institutions. 

“My mother had all of us in lessons to a greater or lesser degree,” said May. “I played the piano quite a lot growing up and I know she always loved it when the piano was being played. I would imagine she had this in mind when she decided to make this gift. My dad and I were invited to the hall to see the piano in place, and I played a song on it that my mom always loved. I was very thankful to be able to honour my mom’s gift that way. What a beautiful piano indeed!” 

This instrument is not only a valuable addition to the hall but also a crucial tool for teaching and learning, embodying the family’s deep commitment to music education. Their generosity ensures that students in the Desautels Faculty of Music will have access to the best possible resources to hone their craft. 

The new hall would not have been possible without the support of the late Dr. Marcel Desautels [BA (LatPh)/55, LLB/59, LLM/65, LLD (Hons)/99], benefactor and namesake for the faculty, who made a generous $20 million gift to the faculty, designating $10 million specifically for a new concert hall. Other generous donors followed his lead, such as Gail Asper [BA/81, LLB/84, LLD/08] who has been a staunch supporter of the arts at UM over the years. 

In addition to Nesbitt’s generous financial donation, he has loaned two significant art pieces – a Sol LeWitt wall drawing in the foyer and the iconic “Forever Bicycles” sculpture by Ai Weiwei at the entrance to the building – demonstrating his belief in the importance of integrating visual arts into the fabric of the university’s cultural offerings. 

As the curtain rises on the Desautels Concert Hall, it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of the arts. This venue, with its perfect blend of acoustic brilliance, artistic integration, and community support, is poised to become a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural life for generations to come. 

“Music is universal, so there’s no question in my mind that the hall will be a real interest to not only local artists but also performers from around the world,” said Nesbitt. 

Experience the new hall for yourself by attending the Grand Opening Concert Series. More info and tickets available on the website. 

“I lost my mom when I was 15, a week before Christmas and a few weeks before my 16th birthday,” he said. “We were very close, the whole family was, but I had a bond with her. At the time, I was a teenage boy, an athlete, and I had these preconceived notions about what it meant to be tough. I didn’t cry, and I put up this shield to show everyone how strong I was and meanwhile I’m dying on the inside.”

Price said it was at least a decade until he really started reflecting on how her death impacted him. On the outside, he had graduated from UM with distinction, played sports at a high level and had landed a great job in Toronto right out of school.

“But just because something looks good on the outside doesn’t mean that it is,” he said. “When I had my first son in 2017, he started asking about Grandma Laurie because we have pictures of her in our house. I realized that other than my wife and one other friend that lost a parent I hadn’t talked much about my mom to anybody. Not even my dad or my brother.”

In talking with his son, he realized that one of his blocks to telling his story was a general societal feeling of discomfort around death. He vividly remembers how it felt like the people closest to him were walking on eggshells around him, unsure of what to say or do. He said the longer he went without talking about his mom the harder it became to start, and he decided he wanted to do something to start breaking down some of those barriers for others. So, he created the Laurie Price Memorial Scholarship.

“In my research creating the scholarship and learning about what type of grief support there is out there, I found a massive gap in supporting teens and young adults outside of seeking professional help,” he said. “I know firsthand seeking help is difficult, so I wanted to offer a different kind of support. My hope is that the scholarship not only relieves some pressure for the students but also creates a space for the students to feel comfortable sharing their stories and feel support from someone who has been through a similar experience.”

Payton Slobodian [BA/22] lost her father in a bicycle accident on her first day of grade 10. She said he was an extraordinary dad to her and her sisters and a beloved husband to her mom. She often finds there are no words that can begin to shed a glimpse on the impact that his death had on her, but she always remembers how he taught her how to live life simply and find beauty in the little things.

“When I discovered the Laurie Price Memorial Scholarship, I felt a connection to the criteria of the scholarship, and I knew I had to apply,” said Slobodian. “Because of the scholarship, I was able to complete my Bachelor of Arts in three years, as it allowed me to focus on my schoolwork instead of limiting my studying time due to working a job with lengthy hours to pay for schooling. It provided me with a sense of relief in my world of grief and motivated me to tackle my schooling and persevere during the most strenuous time of my life.”

Abby Edmond [BSc/23] heard about the scholarship through her guidance councillor, and she decided to apply because the criteria resonated with her having lost her dad when she was in high school. She said going through this loss posed unique challenges for her that other students couldn’t relate to, and this scholarship made her feel like she wasn’t alone.

“Maintaining a high GPA is very important to be a competitive candidate for medicine, which requires many hours of studying. This meant that the scholarship was a valued source of financial support for me during my studies, allowing me to work less hours at my part time job and alleviate stress surrounding paying for tuition and textbooks,” said Edmond. “For any students that have lost a parent, don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. There are so many people that are happy to help you succeed, and this scholarship is a perfect example of that.”

Price said that even if he didn’t realize it at the time, he always had people helping him along the way, and now he wants to pay it forward.

“I see how much time and effort and money my mentors and role models have given back to UM, and so there’s a clear path in front of me,” he says. “I see it in our community and so I’m trying to follow in their footsteps.”

So far, the scholarship has been awarded to five recipients, and that number will continue to grow, which Price hopes will have a positive impact on both the recipients and the broader UM community.

For more information about the Laurie Price Memorial Scholarship, please call Jennifer Triggs, Leadership Giving Officer, at 204-299-6641. Donations to the scholarship can also be made online.

The CCAE Friend of Education award recognizes outstanding service to post-secondary or
independent school education, with recipients contributing significant leadership and efforts to
advance education in Canada.

Soubry has maintained active leadership and support of academic institutions and programming
for many years, serving as a guest lecturer, mentor, and scholarship and program development
supporter. Most recently, he chaired the University of Manitoba’s Front and Center campaign to
surpass its $500 million goal, with $626 million raised.

The campaign became the largest philanthropic initiative in Manitoba’s history, with over 60,000
donors supporting an outstanding student experience, Indigenous achievement, research
excellence, graduate student support, and the places and spaces that enhance university
campuses.

Read more from Mr. Soubry and learn more about the campaign’s impact in the latest edition of UM Today the Magazine. 

Why does the UM support the United Way?

The UM and its employees support the United Way because only by working together and pooling our resources, can we address some of the problems that are challenging our city.  Crime, poverty, addiction, and mental health issues are taking a toll in many of Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods; the UM recognizes that we have a collective responsibility to help find creative solutions to these kinds of issues.

Winnipeg is already a great city but it could be even greater if the United Way was able to better support various agencies across our city. Some of the organizations supported by the United Way include: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Art City, the CNIB, the Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre, Marymound, Mount Carmel Clinic, and the South Winnipeg Family Information Centre. I think it is safe to say that there are faculty, staff and students at the U of M who have accessed these services in the past or are benefitting from them as we speak.

How does the United Way help in Winnipeg?

The United Way provides sustainable funding for more than 100 agencies in Winnipeg that: 1) help kids be all they can be, 2) move people from poverty to possibility, and 3) build strong  communities and healthy families.

How can members of the UM community make a donation?

There are several ways to donate.  All UM employees and retirees should have received a personalized ePledge link by email to their UM email address (if you haven’t received yours, check your junk mail, just in case).  We will also be sending a reminder email in late November, so people will have a second opportunity. Employees who don’t regularly utilize their UM email addresses will receive paper pledge forms as well. If you would prefer to donate by paper pledge form, you can request one by contacting Laura Orsak-Williams, at 204-474-9001 or Laura.Orsak@umanitoba.ca.

If you want to donate by credit card, you can do so directly on the United Way website – there is the opportunity to check off that you are part of a workplace campaign, to ensure that the donation is counted towards the U of M’s total.

Those who are able are encouraged to consider the “Leadership Challenge” – leadership gifts are pledges of $1200 or more. This year, Wawanesa Insurance has agreed to match all new pledges of $1200 or more, and for those who have contributed at the Leadership level in the past, Wawanesa will match any increase up to $300. This is a great way to increase the UM’s contributions to the United Way campaign overall.

The campaign ends on December 12, so please consider donating soon.