Nova Scotia

NSCAD University receives $3 million from Fountain family

The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University is renaming its downtown campus after receiving a $3-million donation.

Most of the donation is likely to go to building renovations

The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University is renaming its downtown campus after receiving a $3-million donation.

Longtime university board member Margaret Fountain says she and her husband donated the money because of their passion for the school and its students.

University president Daniel O'Brien says Granville Campus will be renamed Fountain Campus in honour of the Fountain family.

He says most of the funds would likely go towards building renovations.

In a press release, the head of the Student Union of NSCAD (SUNSCAD) had a suggestion for how the money could be used.

"This money is an opportunity that NSCAD cannot afford to squander with investments in projects not related to the core educational mandate of our institution," said Caleb Hung. "This money should be used to improve the accessibility of NSCAD spaces and to preserve the services that make our fine arts education truly excellent, such as adequate studio space and 24 hour studio access."

The school has struggled financially in recent years.

The donation is one of the largest in its 127-year history.

with files from CBC