The Aspers

No strangers to Winnipeggers or Canadians as prolific businesspeople and philanthropists, the Aspers have long been generous patrons of The University of Winnipeg — most recently, they have supported the constuction of Leatherdale Hall, a new initiative The University of Winnipeg Collegiate (of which Leonard Asper is a graduate).

Their most notable contribution to the University is the establishment of the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film and the Babs Asper Lilac Garden, named in honour of family matriarch, Ruth “Babs” Asper.

The Asper Centre for Theatre and Film is a state-of-the-art performance, production, and teaching facility that has greatly enriched the experiences of UWinnipeg students, faculty, and staff and has established the University as a leader in theatre and film studies.

Through The Asper Foundation and the CanWest Global Foundation, the Asper Family has supported initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, and health care, including the establishment of The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a longtime vision of Israel (Izzy) Asper.

Gail Asper was the 2014 recipient of The University of Winnipeg’s Duff Roblin Award, which celebrates local leaders in philanthropy while raising funds for a selection of UWinnipeg’s Community Learning and Indigenous initiatives.