Why give to King’s?
Each of us has reasons for choosing to give to King’s. My initial reason was because both of my daughters received an exceptional education at the College and benefited greatly from the quality of teaching. I was pleased they chose King’s because of the Foundation Year Program, and because it was in Halifax. Born and raised there, I have strong feelings for the city.
The College has been part of my life for a long time. One of my first memories as a child is going to King’s after the War to meet my uncle Robert, who took part in the Canadian government’s veterans program and lived in one of the Bays. I also remember visiting my father on campus in the ’50s, when, as a student at the Atlantic Summer School run by Harvard Business School, he lived for several weeks in residence at King’s.
I was first approached to donate to King’s during the capital campaign to build the new academic building. My wife told me very clearly, “Don’t be cheap. King’s has been a great experience for our girls.” I faithfully followed my instructions. Subsequently, I was asked to join the Board of Governors. My involvement with King’s has given me great satisfaction.
Many opportunities are presented to us to give to worthy causes, and so we have to choose ones to which we will contribute. King’s is high on my list of priorities because of the things it does so well. I know how important the students are to each member of the faculty, and how hard they work to enrich the lives of their students. Their successes recently received top accolades in a National Survey on Student Engagement published by Maclean’s, where King’s led the country in overall educational experience. What a testament to the faculty and staff from their most critical constituency. I consider it to be a real privilege to be involved with such a fine college and proud to tell one and all of my association with it.
David Archibald served on the Board of Governors from 2004 to 2016. He and his wife Robin provided funding for the Archibald Room (lecture hall) during the Building a Strong Foundation Campaign in 2000. This year, as they do every year, the Archibalds directed their Annual Fund gift to benefit scholarships and bursaries.
