Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently received a $7.5 million donation from Irene Dubé and the late Leslie Dubé, founders of the Concorde Group of Companies. This donation will go towards the construction of the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus, named the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus, located at the University of Saskatchewan’s Innovation Place. The School of Nursing will be renamed the Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing in recognition of this funding, coinciding with National Nursing Week. The Dubé family wanted to give back to show appreciation for the care provided by nurses, as Leslie Dubé had numerous experiences with healthcare professionals during his time in hospitals. A portion of the funding will establish an endowment for psychiatric nursing student awards, helping educate and train future psychiatric nurses like Kelly Unrau, who chose this program to make a positive impact on her community.
Irene Dubé emphasized the importance of nurses in the healthcare system, noting that patients often interact more frequently with nurses than doctors during their hospital stays. Nurses provide comfort and care to patients in vulnerable situations, making their role crucial in the healthcare field. The donation from the Dubé family will support psychiatric nursing students in Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where the need for skilled psychiatric nurses is high due to the prevalence of mental illness, substance use, and inadequate housing in the province. Second-year student Kelly Unrau highlighted the importance of psychiatric nursing in providing hope and support to vulnerable communities in Saskatchewan.
Larry Rosia, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, described the donation as transformational for the school. He noted that the funding will not only benefit students in the School of Nursing and health sciences area but also make a significant impact on the future of healthcare in the province. The Time to Rise Campaign, initiated with a $200 million commitment from the province last year, has gained momentum with various donors coming on board to support the construction of the new campus. Rosia emphasized the long-term impact of the new campus, which is expected to serve numerous students over the next several decades and enhance healthcare in the province.
The donation from Irene and Leslie Dubé marks a significant milestone in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s fundraising efforts to reach its $100 million goal for the new campus. The school expressed gratitude for the generous support, which will play a vital role in advancing nursing education and training in the province. The renamed Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing will serve as a lasting tribute to the Dubé family’s commitment to healthcare and philanthropy. With the support of donors like the Dubé family, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is one step closer to realizing its vision for the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for future generations of students. The impact of this donation will be felt across the province, as skilled healthcare professionals trained at the new campus contribute to the well-being of communities in Saskatchewan.
In conclusion, the generous donation from Irene and Leslie Dubé to Saskatchewan Polytechnic will support the construction of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus and establish an endowment for psychiatric nursing student awards. The donation reflects the Dubé family’s commitment to healthcare and philanthropy, recognizing the importance of nurses in providing care and support to patients. Saskatchewan Polytechnic President Larry Rosia highlighted the transformational impact of the donation on the school and the future of healthcare in the province. The Time to Rise Campaign, supported by various donors, is making progress towards its $100 million goal, bringing the new campus closer to becoming a reality. The Dubé family’s contribution will leave a lasting legacy in nursing education and training at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, ensuring that future generations of healthcare professionals are well-prepared to meet the needs of communities in Saskatchewan.
