Meet the Co-Chairs Leading the Building Futures Campaign

Building Futures campaign co-chairs Jill Hamilton, left, and Chris Chan

More than a school, Rundle Academy is a community – a community of students, alumni, parents, teachers and staff all dedicated to nurturing and expanding educational opportunities. The intentional design of the new expansion builds on 30 years of helping students with learning disabilities thrive and master the same Alberta curriculum as their peers. While the change to campus will be remarkable, the heart of the Academy will stay the same. Our Building Futures campaign is all about creating a place that honours the tenacity and potential of past, present and future students. 

Leading the charge are two dedicated people, both have seen and experienced firsthand how Rundle Academy improves the lives of students and their families: co-chairs Jillian Hamilton and Chris Chan. Both bring experience and drive to the project and have strong ties to the Rundle Academy community. Jillian and Chris will be volunteering their time to spearhead the Building Futures campaign and we could not have asked for a better pair for the job.  

Dr. Jason Rogers, the Head of School for the Rundle College Society, is thrilled Jill Hamilton and Chris Chan have agreed to co-chair the Building Futures fundraising campaign. 

"Chris and Jillian have provided leadership for the campaign leading the campaign cabinet and engaging with our community,” said Rogers. “Jill and Chris are investing their time and energy and are passionate and committed to this campaign. They make the perfect duo to co-chair the Building Futures campaign."

Jillian Hamilton is the granddaughter of the Academy’s co-founder, Dr. W.J. Collett. As a parent of a current student, she has seen the difference Rundle Academy has made in her son’s life. 

“When you see the immense impact Rundle Academy has on so many, one can’t help but want to be involved,” she said. Before Rundle Academy, her son was unhappy and unfulfilled in a traditional classroom setting. A short time after enrolling at the Academy, her son’s confidence and self-worth grew, his marks improved and he found his love of learning.

“I cannot express what this has meant to our family,” said Jillian. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Chris Chan’s experience with the Rundle community is similar, with his passion for the Building Futures campaign bolstered by his first hand experience as a Rundle College parent.

“Rundle Academy helps elevate kids to achieve their highest potential,” said Chan, who hopes his work on the capital campaign will provide for other Rundle students and their families.

“I think there is a responsibility to pay it forward,” he continued. “We are all benefactors of other people’s generosity and you never know where your leg up will come from.”

With their strong ties and long-standing relationship with Rundle Academy, Hamilton and Chan have a demanding but thrilling task before them. Let’s join them in making Rundle Academy’s expansion a reality. 

To learn more about the Building Futures Campaign for Rundle Academy, or to get involved in supporting inclusive education for students with learning disabilities, we invite you to visit our website at rundlebuildingfutures.ca. With your support, the Academy will continue to set the education standard for students with learning disabilities, where differences are not seen as negatives but as the connection that brings all our students together and fosters a true sense of belonging. 

We at Rundle Academy want to continue to be recognized for our excellence in teaching. Please consider supporting our ambitious project and know you are helping to create an environment where every student can thrive.