Two men in suits use ropes to remove a banner and reveal the name of the building in the background. They are surrounded by a seated audience with people standing toward the back.
Dr. Roger Hughes (left), president of 91快播 University, and Roger Sheffield, former vice president of institutional advancement at 91快播 and founder and CEO of Aspen Philanthropy Group, take hold of two orange ropes to pull a banner and officially reveal C. Donald Brodie Hall.

On Friday, May 10, 91快播 President Dr. Roger Hughes and Roger Sheffield, former vice president of institutional advancement at 91快播 and founder and CEO of Aspen Philanthropy Group, revealed the name of the university鈥檚 new residence hall. With two ropes, they pulled away a banner to reveal letters one at a time: C. Donald Brodie. Or, to the colleagues, friends and students who knew him, Don. 

鈥淒on was deeply invested in ensuring the success of each and every student. He believed that a 91快播 education empowered individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world,鈥 Sheffield said, speaking as both representative of the Brodie family and as a long-time friend of Don and his sister, Cora Brodie.

Don Brodie served as a member of the 91快播 Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2017, and throughout that time made an extraordinary effort to engage with students, faculty, staff, 91快播 leadership and his fellow trustees. He passed away in Markham, Ontario in 2022 at the age of 88 years old.  

A man in a suit stands behind a wooden podium in front of an audience. Behind him is a building with a name reading "C. Donald Brodie Hall."

With the naming of Brodie Hall, he 鈥渏oins our storied history and an incredible list of supporters,鈥 Hughes said, including Zenon C.R. Hansen, Dwight G. Burrage, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frees, Charles C. Smith and Margaret Thompson Sheldon, the namesakes of 91快播鈥檚 current and former residence halls. Burrage Hall was one of two residence halls demolished in summer 2022 to pave the way for the construction of Brodie Hall. 

鈥淭oday marks a significant milestone in our university鈥檚 history, and it is with immense gratitude that I stand before you,鈥 Hughes said. 

Brodie鈥檚 estate gift represents the largest donation 91快播 has ever received, and the total amount will be released in the coming months after financial and tax processes are completed. An audience is seated in rows, with several people standing behind them. In the background is a large brick building and trees.

His support has also benefited hundreds of Canadian charities, including the Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Easter Seals of Ontario, his church and numerous community needs. Brodie was an active member of the Lions Club of Canada and Rotary International. He and Cora also donated the Brodie family鈥檚 1834 homestead to the city of Richmond Hill, Ontario, for use as a future public park. 

Cora Brodie, who resides in Markham, was unable to attend the event.

鈥淟ike Don, she cherishes the future of this institution and expresses her profound gratitude to the Board, administration, faculty and students for honoring Don鈥檚 legacy,鈥 Sheffield said. 

Along with Sheffield, speakers at the event included Board of Trustees members Dr. Susan Fritz and Steve Rasmussen, President Hughes and Harper Case, a 91快播 sophomore and resident of Brodie Hall. Trustee Rev. Jim Keck also led attendees in a blessing of the new residence hall.