Tackling the world's most pressing challenges

Thanks to our generous donors, Laurier's academic offerings prepare students to address the world's most critical social, economic and environmental challenges. Last year, donors contributed $1.8 million to augment Laurier's academic programs.

Laurier's academic offerings prepare students to address the world's most critical social, economic and environmental challenges

One unique program is Laurier's Capstone Urban Sustainability Project (CUSP) in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. This partnership between Laurier and the City of Cambridge immerses teams of students in a real-world consulting project where they work on sustainability initiatives throughout Cambridge. In this year's winning project, five students proposed a smartphone application that would allow users to conduct self-guided walking tours while learning about the City of Cambridge's history. The application could be used by students, educators, historians, clubs, families and tourists.

CUSP is supported by City of Cambridge, Paul Puopolo (BA '73) and Louise Puopolo of Polocorp Inc., Christopher Coupal (BA '95) of Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate Inc., Stephen Rhodes (BA '88) and Wanita Rhodes (BA '87).

"We are telling the stories of people from different walks of life; politicians, educators, musicians, athletes, and religious leaders. Cambridge has a rich, diverse history and [we aim] to promote this information by making it accessible and by allowing people to envision what life was like for these people as Cambridge developed," fourth-year student Zachary Hupman. Click to read more about CUSP.