Laurier Milton Community Preview welcomes alumni and local community members

June 24, 2024

On June 18, the Laurier Milton Academic Centre buzzed with excitement as the Milton community gathered for a special Campus Preview event. Hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University and Laurier Alumni, the event offered a unique opportunity for community members to explore the new academic centre before its official opening.

The recently renovated facilities were on full display, showcasing the university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Attendees were greeted by Laurier staff and had the chance to meet community partners who have been instrumental in advancing the vision for Laurier Milton.

Jason Coolman, Laurier’s vice-president of advancement and external relations, kicked off the event with some opening remarks, thanking the community for its support.

“In September, we will be welcoming our first cohort of students. It takes community support to stand up a campus, and we’ve had wonderful support from the Town of Milton, including the town council, as well as the provincial government, who have helped us get to this point,” said Coolman. “It is our hope that the community continues to help support student recruitment, scholarships and securing work-integrated learning, such as co-op jobs.”

The evening also included a welcome address by Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s president and vice-chancellor. MacLatchy expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support and highlighted Laurier Milton’s role in fostering educational opportunities and partnerships in Milton.

“We are putting students first as we begin this initial stage of our expansion in Milton,” said MacLatchy. “At the same time, we are also moving ahead with our plans for the permanent campus, which will focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs and a planetary health approach, which will serve this community well.”

The Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA) also held its board meeting for the first time on the new campus, and President Kyle Walker (BA ’11) was on hand to welcome community members.

“This is important to me, not just as the WLUAA President, but as someone who was born and raised in Milton, and has once again called Milton home for the past seven years with my wife and family.”

Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the facility, impressed by the modern classrooms and collaborative study spaces.

Beginning as an engaging education hub in the Laurier Milton Academic Centre, Laurier Milton will develop over the years into a robust, purpose-built campus in the Milton Education Village. Campus spaces will come to life over time, grounded by Indigenous principles of land stewardship and enriched by sustainable buildings.

Laurier will offer an honours B.Sc. in Computer Science, a BA in Computer Science and an honours BA in Psychology as Milton’s inaugural programs, combined with attractive course options such as user experience, leadership, criminology and math.

Programs will be delivered in cohorts to maximize students’ in-person and remote experiences and will include amenities that will provide students with an on-campus experience tailored to their specific needs, while ensuring students graduate with the skills and knowledge sought after by local businesses and the community.

Learn more about Laurier in Milton at wlu.ca/milton