$1 million gift from alumnus and long-time Laurier supporter Peter Ansley recognized with naming of Ansley Alumni Field

Aug. 22, 2024
For Immediate Release

Wilfrid Laurier University is proud to recognize alumnus Peter Ansley (BA ’66) for his generous gift of $1 million and decades of service by the naming of Ansley Alumni Field on the Waterloo campus. Ansley, along with his wife Cheri, are long-time supporters of Laurier, including the establishment of the Peter Ansley Basketball Award in 2011. 

“Peter is a deeply valued friend of Laurier and the Golden Hawks,” says Kate McCrae Bristol, director of Athletics and Recreation. “Peter has been a longtime contributor to Laurier Athletics and Recreation and with this gift, demonstrates his commitment and dedication to our future. With this generous donation, he is an integral part of building momentum in our quest to develop leaders and champions at Laurier. Thank you, Peter, for all that you do for Laurier students!” 

Formerly known as Alumni Field, it has undergone extensive renovations in the past two years including updated turf and seating, a press box, scoreboard and a centre-field gateway feature. The field has been expanded to FIFA-regulation size, making it more suitable for soccer, rugby and lacrosse competitions.  

The field’s new name retains its original reference to Alumni in recognition of the extensive support of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association for field renovation recently and in the past.  

Always popular with students, field use has further expanded since the renovations, with more students and community members enjoying the facilities and recognizing the generous donor support that made the renovations possible.  

“Ansley Alumni Field is the heart of the Waterloo campus, and a special gathering place for activities and social connections that contribute to a well-rounded student experience,” says Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor. “It’s truly fitting to see Peter’s name associated with the field, as he is himself a hub of relationship and service within the Laurier and broader Waterloo community. We are deeply grateful to him for this gift, and for all the ways he has contributed to our university over decades.” 

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1966, Peter was a varsity basketball and football athlete and a Letterman’s Jacket Holder. Highlights of later involvement include Board of Governors (2010 - 2019); Board of Governor’s Development Committee (2011 – present); Calgary Lazaridis School Dean’s Advisory Council (2012 – 2019); Waterloo Lazaridis School Dean’s Advisory Council (2009 – 2014); and Chair of the Building Canada’s Best Business School (BCBBS) Campaign Cabinet (2011 – 2018).  

Ansley was recognized with awards including the Laurier Distinguished Governor’s Award (2019); Laurier Society Philanthropy Award (2018); SBE Dean Award for Community Service (2014); and Alum of the Year (2012). 

“I have been honoured and privileged to serve and be a friend to the Laurier community all of my life,” says Ansley. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Laurier, and Laurier students hold a special place in my heart. I want to make sure that generations of future Laurier students can enjoy the opportunities I had to work hard and have fun in athletics, build the skills to prepare for a successful career and make life-long friendships.” 

Other major donors to the field’s enhancements include the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association, the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and the Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students’ Association. 

An event to recognize and celebrate Ansley’s generosity will take place at Ansley Alumni Field on September 12, 2024.