The Golding Family: Amplifying Generosity, Advancing Equity, and Creating a Lasting Legacy of Opportunity

You may have heard of the domino effect, but have you heard about the multiplier effect? It’s when a single act of generosity can spark a chain reaction of positive change, growing and expanding as others are inspired to pay it forward. This concept lies at the heart of Kevin and Leigh Golding's mission to make the world a better and more equitable place.

The Goldings have shared a remarkable 44-year journey as a couple, marked by their love for family—including three children and six grandchildren—and their deep-rooted connection to the University of Guelph and the Guelph community.

Kevin spent several decades working with Canada's largest food company, Maple Leaf Foods. His career in the food industry took the Golding family across the country, including a memorable chapter in Western Canada, before they eventually returned to the Guelph area.

In 2008, Kevin was asked to join the University of Guelph's Board of Governors. He served on the board until 2019, including a term as Board Chair from 2015 to 2019. Even after his formal term concluded, Kevin’s dedication to the university and his passion for helping others have remained steadfast.

Kevin continued to share his expertise by serving on the Senate Honours and Awards Committee, for five years until June 2024. Currently he is still on the Board of Trustees and has been since June 2019 and is currently the Chair, further strengthening his enduring connection to the University of Guelph and its mission.

This ongoing involvement underscores the Goldings' commitment to advancing student success and creating a more equitable academic environment. Among the many champions of this vision, the Goldings stand out for their impactful contributions, including the establishment of the Kevin & Leigh Golding and Family Bursary in Support of Black Student Scholars.

Established in 2021, this annual bursary was created to provide financial support to Black students entering any degree program who demonstrate financial need. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the Golding family wanted to support the University of Guelph's Anti-Racism Action Plan to address racism, hatred, and discrimination.

"As opposed to everyone piling up on social media, let's do something concrete and meaningful and help a student in a positive way," Kevin shared.

The Black Lives Matter movement served as a catalyst for their inspiration, motivating them to make a positive impact from an education standpoint. However, this bursary goes beyond financial support—it reflects a dedication to using one's values to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. The Golding family hopes this bursary will inspire others to take similar action and help students in financial need on their way to achieving their goals.

Since the creation of this bursary, there have been three scholars whom they have met with virtually. "We have been impressed by their intelligence and drive," Leigh expressed, "We hope that the bursary will continue to make a meaningful difference, even if the full impact may not be seen for years to come."

Students' lives have been impacted, including that of Sara Terier, a dedicated Bachelor of Arts and Science student minoring in Psychology and Biology. "As a first-generation immigrant, this support means the world to my family and me. It fuels my passions for social justice, animal welfare, and community involvement, allowing me to volunteer and give back in ways I couldn’t otherwise. I’m deeply grateful and committed to paying it forward." The Goldings, Sara, and the other deserving scholars embody shared values that are rooted in empathy, a community-oriented mindset, and a dedication to creating a positive impact on the world.

Kevin and Leigh reflect on their earlier days, recalling how they had to work hard to be able to afford to attend post-secondary institutions. They deeply empathize with the financial challenges students face today, especially with the rising cost of living. As Kevin’s career progressed and their life experiences accumulated, Kevin explained that it became clear just how fortunate they had become. It was at that point they realized they were in a position to give back, offering meaningful support to others in a way that could truly make a difference.

Kevin emphasized that donors should carefully consider the impact they want their donation to have, whether it's supporting individual students, funding specific programs, or contributing to larger university initiatives. Regardless of the choice, each donation has the potential to make a meaningful difference today, shaping the future for both the next generation and those that follow.

While Kevin and Leigh are not ones to seek publicity, they hope their actions will inspire others in similar positions to step forward and support students in need. They emphasize the long-term impact of such generosity, noting the potential to create lasting, generational change.

Like the Goldings, if you believe in giving students the opportunity to succeed by relieving the burden of financial hardship, you too can make a meaningful difference.

The University of Guelph's Alumni Affairs & Development office works with donors like the Golding family to create awards, bursaries, and any other initiatives that play a vital role in advancing equity, fostering opportunity, and empowering students to succeed.

To learn and explore ways you can make a difference, please contact Elizabeth Rauchenstein, Alumni Advancement Manager at erauchen@uoguelph.ca for donations up to $25,000 or contact Cristina Coates, Senior Development Manager at ccoate02@uoguelph.ca for donations over $25,000. Together, we can shape a future built on opportunity, inclusivity, and shared success, inspiring a ripple effect of generosity.