Guy Mercier presents Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor with $250,000 at the 2013 Foundation Gala

Guy Mercier, the former long-time owner of Acres Enterprises, announced a gift of $250,000 at TRU’s 21st annual Foundation Gala Saturday evening.

Last year he sold the construction company he began in 1980. His projects mark the economic growth of the region; Sun Peaks, Work Safe BC, New Gold and many others. Mercier came forward at Gala to add another dimension to his university building with a donation that will go towards student endowments and towards the revitalization of Old Main.

“My parents instilled me with a belief in education,” Mercier said. “We have been very involved with TRU’s growth over these last 22 years and can see that universities are important to individuals, families and communities.”

Mercier’s company completed its first project at TRU in 1990 and went on to work on the Main Library (more than once), to be a subcontractor for the Brown Family House of Learning and general contractor for the Campus Activity Centre.

The Kamloops Daily News announced it would be donating $300,000 in in-kind advertising support to the TRU Foundation in its marketing.

Gala was also another opportunity to recognize BMO for its recent contribution of $600,000 for BMO Student Street.

“It is through gifts like the ones announced today that we will are becoming a model of Canada’s modern university. It is through your council, your volunteerism, and your financial investment that we will continue and increase our capacity to offer the students of Kamloops and Canada an education that is powerful, valid and modern,” Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor told the nearly 500 guests gathered in the Grand Hall. “Through your continued support we will lead the way in creating a university that changes the lives of our learners, and makes the world a better place.”

Media inquires please contact:
Christopher Seguin
TRU Vice-President Advancement
(p)250-574-0474