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Impact of Giving

Next generation learning spaces

Donors are helping build modern and forward-looking classrooms
By: Shannon Wilmot

Two innovative learning spaces just opened in the Crabtree and Avard-Dixon buildings and are attracting lots of attention. They are part of the University鈥檚 Ideas Lab project, creating new classrooms that are purpose-designed for entrepreneurial and experiential learning, and for exploring new forms of teaching. 

鈥淭hese spaces have an incredible energy,鈥 says Jeff Hennessy, Mount Allison鈥檚 provost and vice-president, academic and research. 鈥淭here is no front or back of the classroom, and students intuitively understand they are entering a creative space where they will need to collaborate with their peers and teachers and be active participants in learning.鈥

Both rooms are equipped with moveable furniture and whiteboards, portable charging stations for laptops and other devices, and multiple digital displays with advanced videoconferencing and presentation software. The spaces will be used for formal classes, student meetings, special presentation and learning initiatives, and for collaborations with community partners.

Donations from Scott McCain and the Ogilvie Family, both longtime supporters of Mount Allison, made the renovations possible. 

鈥淢y family strives to be innovative in our philanthropy,鈥 says Robert Ogilvie (鈥67). 鈥淥ut-of-the-box thinking is something that really attracts our attention, and the Ideas Lab project was a great fit for that, along with being a way to continue to support our alma mater.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Scott McCain (鈥78) shares Ogilvie鈥檚 enthusiasm for getting involved in such a unique project. 

鈥淚 see how it really pushes the boundaries of what a classroom can be, and I think the Ideas Lab project will be a great proof of concept toward Mount Allison renovating even more learning spaces on campus,鈥 he says. 

Vicki St. Pierre, Mount Allison鈥檚 dean of arts, has led the Ideas Lab project for the University.

鈥淩esearch shows these types of spaces are better for learning in a number of disciplines, for interdisciplinarity, and for developing the kinds of skills students can take with them when they graduate,鈥 she says. 鈥淪paces like these allow professors to research and test new pedagogies and ways of learning. It creates new and innovative experiences for teacher and student alike.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Mount Allison has long recognized the transformative power of a physical space or location. Since 1839, the campus has been a treasured place to welcome students, encourage the coming together of diverse minds and talents, and inspire inquiry and discovery. The Ideas Lab classrooms are the important next iteration of Mount Allison鈥檚 commitment to fuelling innovation on campus. 

鈥淲e are so grateful to Scott and Robert and their families for supporting the Ideas Lab project from inception and helping propel the University鈥檚 strategic goals,鈥 says Courtney Pringle-Carver, vice-president, university advancement. 鈥淭his kind of visionary early support for a capital project, and one that is rooted in the fundamentals of teaching, is extraordinary and speaks to the unique commitment and trust Mount Allison donors have in our University.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

The University will continue creating innovative learning spaces on campus and there are opportunities for donors to help.