Fred Smithers

Improved Supports for Students with Disabilities

By Renée Hartleib | spring 2015

For 30 years, Saint Mary’s has played a leadership role in ensuring that higher education is accessible to students with disabilities. Back in 1985, when the Atlantic Centre was first established, it began by helping 13 students. That number has grown to over 200 students today. A passionate supporter of services for students with disabilities, and a former member of the University’s Board of Governors, Dr. Fred Smithers recently made a very generous donation to the Centre. His contribution has resulted in major renovations to the Centre and improved supports for students, in addition to a number of annual scholarships. “Fred Smithers’ thoughtfulness and kindness are really quite remarkable,” says Centre Director, Dr. David Leitch. “His profound commitment to the students we serve is absolutely unwavering.” To mark his generosity, the Centre was renamed The Fred Smithers Centre of Support for Students with Disabilities. 

Campus Notes: “I give because I believe in Saint Mary’s University.”

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