The power of philanthropy: Dr. Dan Andreae helps Humber students succeed

Be curious and never stop learning – that is Dr. Dan Andreae’s philosophy. 

So, it is no surprise that he has been such a strong supporter of students at Humber College. He has maintained a relationship with Humber for more than 20 years, initially as a professor who has seen firsthand how students can flourish if given the support and encouragement they deserve. He has taught 45 different subjects and has twice received the Professor of the Year award at the University of Guelph-Humber.

Also a long-standing donor, Dr. Andreae has made a gift of $350,000 to the Unlimited Campaign, providing emergency bursaries and scholarships that will support students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness and the Faculty of Social & Community Services. 

Through this gift, 18 scholarships will be awarded annually recognizing student excellence and leadership, and will help remove financial barriers to education. Emergency bursaries support students who experience financial crisis – an issue that more and more students are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Andreae is motivated to support students in these areas of study because he believes the liberal arts are an important training ground for any career. “They provide a process for analyzing and solving problems, and help students move from factual knowledge to understanding,” he says. He also aims to reach students and ignite their passion, explaining, “When I’m looking at a student, I’m looking at somebody who has hopes and desires, doubts and fears, aspirations and goals. If you can reach somebody on those levels and recognize the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, that is so important to me.”

In addition to the years he spent teaching students at Humber and the financial support he provides, he is also a member of the Campaign Cabinet for Humber’s Unlimited Campaign. He joins a group of passionate volunteers and community leaders who are helping the Campaign achieve its goals of raising $50 million, engaging alumni and community members in new ways, and enhancing the learning experience for students. 

At Humber, his positive influence can be felt all over the campus. The Dr. Dan Andreae Math & Writing Centre at North campus is a place where students can go to receive extra academic support. Dr. Andreae received an honorary degree from the college in 2019 and in early 2020, he was presented with Humber’s first-ever Medal of Gratitude in recognition of his immense commitment to Humber and its students. 

Dr. Andreae has had a rich career with a passion for teaching and countless contributions that extend well beyond the Humber community. His remarkable career includes his tenure as the first Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Recently, he was chosen as a Global Visionary for his work in advocacy in neurodegenerative disease by the Top 100 Registry in New York. He has also received lifetime achievement awards from Brain Injuries Canada, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OSAW) and Laurentian University. 

Humber is immensely grateful for its enduring relationship with Dr. Andreae, and the college also holds a special place for him. “Humber is a dynamic and innovative leader in providing educational programs for changing times,” he explains. “More than ever, we need to ensure that students have the tools and resources to meet and exceed the challenges that lie ahead.”