The largest private gift in the history of St. Francis Xavier University will go towards an Institute for Innovation in Health.
Through his foundation, philanthropist Dr. Victor Phillip Dahdaleh is donating $15 million to the university.
“This new Institute at St. F.X. will be led by world class researchers who conduct critical work in promoting healthy populations. I’m excited that this work will have a broad impact on health in rural areas of Nova Scotia, Canada, and beyond,” Dahdaleh said at a Saturday night gala in Halifax. “This is very important work and I’m delighted to play a lead role. I am a devoted supporter of health research on both sides of the Atlantic, and I am honoured to support this institute at St. F.X.”
A release from the school says the new institute will be the headquarters of the National Collaborating Centre for the Determinants for Health, one of six such facilities funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
St. F.X. president and vice-chancellor Andy Hakin said the school is “tremendously grateful” for Dahdaleh’s vision and generosity.
“With this, St. F.X. will further advance its work in contributing to improving the health and health outcomes of our communities, especially in rural areas. New approaches to mental and physical health and lifestyle choices across the lifespan will foster positive personal, family and community outcomes in the future,” said Hakin.
The province recently announced an investment of $37.4 million for the new Institute for Innovation in Health, and the federal government also contributed to the project in 2017.
In the past, Dahdaleh has supported the Brian Mulroney Institute for Government at St. F.X.
