From Campus to Community: The Power of Giving

Philanthropy at �Ӱ�ԭ�� takes many forms, and faculty and staff play a vital role in fostering a culture of giving on campus. Professors Janine Debanné and Yvan Labiche are among those making a difference—not just as educators, but as dedicated donors committed to supporting student success.

Debanné, an Associate Professor at the Azrieli School of Architecture, and Labiche, Chair of the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, both joined �Ӱ�ԭ�� in January 2001. Their journey together began on campus, where they met in the then faculty club in 2003 and later married in 2006. Over the years, their commitment to �Ӱ�ԭ�� has extended beyond the classroom, embracing philanthropy as a shared value.

Debanné has been a monthly donor through payroll deduction since 2005, and Labiche followed in 2011. Their contributions have become a meaningful way to create change and directly impact students’ lives. Each was inspired to give in their own way.

“�Ӱ�ԭ�� gave me so much – my undergraduate degree and the chance to work in a profession I loved, and later, an interesting and enriching teaching career. So, there were lots of reasons to give back,” says Debanné.

Born and raised in France, Labiche notes that philanthropy is viewed differently in his home country where higher education is largely funded by the state and student tuitions are consequently very low.

“In France, we don’t really have a culture of donating to the school where we studied or teach. But at some point, it clicked for me that here, supporting students and their families was important. Seeing Janine’s generosity and how she gave–that inspired me to donate as well,” says Labiche.

With over two decades of giving, the couple supports various funds across campus. As a former undergraduate architecture student, Debanné is particularly passionate about giving back to the Architecture program through funds such as the Architecture Studio Fund.

“I’ve always felt connected to the undergraduate program, so I’m happy to support projects that benefit students and studio life at that level,” she says.

Donor support provides students with opportunities to pursue academic projects, conduct research, and gain hands-on learning experiences. Labiche believes supporting student initiatives across faculties and disciplines helps them reach their full potential and tap into their academic and creative abilities.

“It’s amazing to see the talent the university has. We have the ability to innovate and evolve, and students benefit greatly from that,” says Labiche.

Faculty and staff continue to play an essential role in supporting students and strengthening �Ӱ�ԭ��’s culture of philanthropy. For Janine Debanné, giving back deepens her connection with the university.

“For me, when I say that I work at �Ӱ�ԭ��, I feel a sense of pride. I feel honoured to be part of this institution. There are so many interesting and accomplished people here. Fundamentally to me, I get to spend my day with young students with energy and ideas – which is a pretty lucky thing.”