Engaged. Inspiring. Passionate. Generous.
These are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing Ada Slaight, one of Canada’s leading philanthropists and long-time OCAD University supporter, who passed away on April 13, 2020.
“On behalf of OCAD University, I extend our sincere condolences to Ada’s family. Together, we mourn the passing of a woman who leaves behind an important and lasting legacy at our University that spans 30 years,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sara Diamond. “She contributed enormously to transforming our University and had an immeasurable impact on our students, academic programming and creative spaces.”
For many decades, Slaight’s generous gifts to organizations in Toronto and elsewhere supported education, arts and culture, social services, and health care. In addition to OCAD U, other organizations that greatly benefitted from her philanthropic support and volunteer commitment include the Young People’s Theatre, National Theatre School of Canada, Soulpepper, Toronto Artscape, Royal Ontario Museum, Evergreen Brick Works, Vital Toronto Fund, National Ballet of Canada, VIBE Arts, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Harbour Island Day Nursery in the Bahamas.
From 1990 to 1998, Slaight served with distinction on the Board of Governors of the Shaw Festival in the roles of Governor, National Governor and Honorary Governor. Partly in recognition of her many contributions to the Shaw Festival, in 2009, the Academy at the Shaw Festival was re-named the Slaight Family Academy (the repertory theatre’s professional training, play development, publishing and public education wing).
Since 1988, Slaight was an ardent champion for OCAD U with a lifetime of giving of almost $4 million through the Slaight Family Foundation. She was a highly engaged and long-standing volunteer member of the Campaign Cabinet for the Ideas Need Space campaign, which resulted in the iconic Sharp Centre for Design.
She received an honorary doctorate from OCAD University in 2017 in recognition of her philanthropic and volunteer contributions.
Ada Slaight and her OCAD U legacy
The Ada Slaight Endowed Bursary was established in 1996 to support students, in any year of study or discipline, who are in the greatest need of financial assistance. The Ada Slaight Endowed Scholarship was created in 2000 to support and encourage students entering their fourth year of studies.
Established in 2012, the Ada Slaight Entrance Scholarship is the largest philanthropic scholarship program at the University. The scholarship provides the best and brightest students with full funding for their four-year degree. These gifts have had a life-changing impact on the students, their futures, and that of their families. Since the program’s inception, 53 students from a wide range of disciplines, in more than 10 programs have received support.
Her gifts to the Drawing and Painting and Printmaking Programs, and the Ada Slaight Chair of Contemporary Drawing and Painting have significantly strengthened the faculty’s ability to deliver excellence in programming. Some of the past activities have included more than 50 initiatives, which have created a stronger sense of community and provided students with a vast range of professional development opportunities.
The revitalization of the Ada Slaight Studios and the Ada Slaight Student Transit and Critique Galleries have also played a pivotal role in the University’s transformation, providing students with a high quality, collaborative and interdisciplinary work and exhibition space.
These renovations, funded by Slaight and the Slaight Family Foundation, have created an inspiring and effective learning space for students to create, collaborate and showcase their work. In addition to benefitting the students, these renovations have enhanced the lecturers’ teaching experiences. This contributes to the success of the University, as it continues to lead the way in the arts education sector.
“The true measure of Ada’s generosity is best demonstrated through the lives of the students she has supported. Whether in the classroom, studio, or in careers across every sector, some of Canada’s brightest, most talented artists and designers are pursuing their dreams because of Ada’s gift,” said Dr. Diamond.
In lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be made to one of five charities, including OCAD University. Donations to OCAD University in the memory of Ada Slaight will support students in pursuing their passion in art, design and media.
This illustration was created by Kimberly Ha, just one of the many students who benefited from Ada Slaight’s generosity. Says Ha: “This generous donation has greatly impacted my life and I am grateful every day to Ada Slaight and her wonderful family.”