Lane Change
New approaches to university partnerships
For some, change brings feelings of unease. Others thrive on the excitement and opportunities it opens up. David Coons has his feet planted firmly in the “other” category. After a 15 year career in the beverage industry, Coons recently took on the role of vice-president for development at TWU.
Trading profit-and-loss for not-for-profit meant a few changes to his routine; his daily commute now includes driving the eldest two of his six children from Coquitlam to school in North Vancouver before heading east to Langley’s TWU campus to begin his workday.
So, what keeps him going despite a busy schedule? “I appreciate every day I come to work at TWU,” Coons says. “I’m more passionate about this place than I ever was in 15 years in my previous job. The reason is clear — it comes from a belief in the product.”
It’s connecting that “product” — students who, because of the education they receive here, will meet the world’s deepest needs and most profound opportunities — and supporters who share that belief, that Coons sees as his mandate. “Our focus is to share the vision and mission that is TWU with as many prospective students, supporters, and businesses as possible,” he says.
While the University traditionally relied on its supporters for capital and building projects, Coons and his team — including the new Executive Director of Richmond and Business Development, Andry Tjahyana — are actively engaged in building partnerships that will facilitate two of the most dramatic changes to campus since Reimer Student Centre opened its doors in 1997.
One such ground-breaking partnership is with a development firm that has committed to build TWU’s first Live Learn Centre as part of a planned gift to the University. The Live Learn Centre will consist of student residences above a first floor of academic space and will house TWU’s proposed new School of Arts, Media, and Culture — planned for a fall 2009 launch.
“Our priority is to focus on what’s in it for our partners,” says Tjahyana, “and that requires knowing what their needs are. It’s like a marriage; when you give rather than take, you get your own needs met in the end.”
And in an effort to meet the need for a community gathering place on campus, TWU is preparing to build a new Calvin B. Hanson Chapel. The new chapel will be situated in the heart of the campus and will become TWU’s signature building. Plans include a 240-seat chapel, alumni offices, and a choral practice centre. “The alumni offices and lounge will provide a place alumni can call their own,” says Dave Swan, director of alumni relations. “It’ll be a place to relax, look at old yearbooks, and visit.”
With the inclusion of the old rock wall, the chapel will be reminiscent of the original structure while fitting within the architectural theme of the campus master plan. “We’re excited about the prospect for growth and development of the TWU campus, and what that means for our students and alumni,” says Coons.
In another significant community partnership, TWU will manage the brand-new gymnasium currently under construction as part of the Langley Events Centre. The Township of Langley and the Langley Development Group have partnered together to build the facility, along with a 3,500-seat ice arena, at Langley’s Willoughby Park.
Beginning September, 2009, the 2,000-seat gym — complete with a fitness centre, elite athletic centre and sports medicine facility — will serve as home court for the TWU Spartans men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. In 2010, TWU will host the prestigious cis National Men’s Volleyball Championships. “This is a great way for TWU and the Spartans to get into — and become part of — the Langley community,” says Blair Whitmarsh, Ph.D., dean of the School of Human Kinetics at TWU.
It’s this type of change and vision for the University that keeps Coons and his development team thriving. “TWU is one of the best-kept secrets out there,” he says. “We’re about to change that.”
For more information on how you can contribute to the development of TWU, visit twu.ca/giving.
by Wendy Lees
photography by Mike Rathjen ('04)
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