Laurentian University announced an investment of $1 million from the Perdue family towards its new research and development centre. In appreciation of this gift, the centre will be named the Norinne E. Perdue Collaborative Research and Development Centre.
As part of the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering building, the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Collaborative Research and Development Centre will enable researchers across the University’s seven Faculties to collaborate, share equipment and expertise. The space was designed in response to consultation with local industry, researchers and faculty, in order to maximize collaborations and inter-disciplinary opportunities.
Norinne was the granddaughter of Cliff Fielding. The Norinne E. Perdue Collaborative Research Centre will be located in the new building recently named after her grandfather.
“The Perdue family have a long history of supporting Laurentian University,” said Jennifer Witty, Chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors. “Our students have benefited greatly from their generosity and through this investment our region will continue to prosper with a much needed Collaborative Research and Development Centre.”
The Perdue family’s investment was an important part of the University’s proposal for strategic investment funding which was announced by the Canadian and Ontario governments on September 23, 2016. The project totals $60.7 million and will be completed in 2018.
“Norinne believed strongly in the importance of education and working hard to reach goals,” said husband Gerry Perdue. “When we share and work together– everyone benefits. These are values Norinne and I taught our children from a young age. This centre will honour Norinne’s memory by enhancing educational opportunities for students while encouraging the collaboration that will lead to exciting new innovations in the north.”
Norinne Perdue was born in Sudbury to Jim and Shirley Fielding in 1960. She attended Lockerby Secondary School until the 12th grade, and then graduated from Sudbury Secondary School (Ontario Scholar). She pursued her studies at the University of Toronto (BA) and then at Laurentian University to prepare for her graduate degree work at Columbia University, New York (MA).
Mrs. Perdue had a lifelong interest in personal academic achievement, in the educational accomplishments of her children and in supporting others to meet their educational goals and interests. In her early life, Norinne excelled in dressage, eventually winning the Canadian Dressage Championships twice at the Junior level whilst studying in Toronto.
About Laurentian University
Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates. With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years.