King's University College has doubled the size of its campus following a massive land deal with the Diocese of London.
The deal, which was announced Monday, will see King's acquire 18.152 acres of land that fronts St. Peter’s Seminary east of Waterloo St. and north of Horton St. The parcel of land is adjacent to the college and provides what King's officials call "promise for the future ."
“I invite you to dream with us as we plan for a robust future by preserving these lands for the growth of Catholic education,” said Dr. Sauro Camiletti, King’s Interim principal and academic dean. “This transfer is transformational for King’s as a leading Catholic institution in the county. Together, with the Diocese of London, we have preserved the original intent and zoning of these lands for educational purposes. In short, this presents us with an outstanding opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to experience post-secondary education in a dedicated space that meets the future needs of our whole community.”
The land deal does not include the offices of the Diocese on Waterloo St. or the St. Peter’s Seminary building, However, the St. Thomas Aquinas House residence on the far eastern section of the land and a small house near Huron St. are part of the deal. The residence will be leased back to the Diocese until August 2019.
Talks to transfer the diocesan lands began in 2014 and the plan was approved by the Vatican and King's Board of Directors this fall.
“This transfer of lands will enable us, in new ways, to continue the vision of my predecessors, especially Bishop Michael Fallon, who aimed to create a hub of Catholic learning and formation in Southwestern Ontario," said Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, Bishop of the London diocese.
King’s University College Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to coincide with the announcement of the land deal. Dubbed 'Imagine the Future' the new fundraising initiative already has the support of the King’s Alumni Association, the senior leadership of King’s University College, and current students.
"The goal of the campaign will ultimately be $15-million," said Foundation Board Chair Matthew Thuss. "We are fortunate in that we have the full support of the Foundation Board, the College Board, and Senior Administration, many of whom have made personal financial commitments to support the campaign. The Alumni Association has committed $300,000 and the student body as represented by the King’s University College Students’ Council, has demonstrated strong dedication to their school with a commitment of $5-million.”
Established in 1954, King's is an affiliate of Western University.