Private sector support essential

"In today's competitive legal world, students need as many advantages as possible," says Perry Dellelce (BA'85), a founder and managing partner of the firm, a director of the Western Alumni Association and a member of the University's President's Council.

"By creating a presence for the Student Career Centre within the School, our firm is hoping to help provide these opportunities."

"In this era of declining government funding, support from law firms and alumni is crucial. We are grateful for this generous gift from Wildeboer Dellelce LLP," says Dean of Law Ian Holloway.

"Governments in Canada no longer seem to be committed to supporting excellence in legal education, and external funding is now essential to the lifeblood of the school. Gifts like these help us recruit the nation's brighest students and to enhance our programs. The gift from Wildeboer Dellelce will make a difference in the lives of our students. Tomorrow, they will make a difference to our country."

A boutique business law firm whose practice is restricted to corporate, securities, secured lending and tax matters, Wildeboer Dellelce LLP has a solid relationship with Western Law. In each of the last three years, a Western Law student has articled at the firm. Moreover, close to 50 per cent of the lawyers working at the firm are Western alumni.

"We hire the best people available. It feeds on itself. Friends introduce friends and other colleagues to the firm," says Rob Wortzman, managing partner.

"It made the decision to make a gift to Western straightforward. Just about everyone around our firm is carrying the University's flag."

Fundraising Focus is a regular feature of Western News and offers a snapshot of development activities on campus