鈥淐reativity is everywhere, but access is not.鈥
For technology leader Adrian Lee-Kwen, that belief is at the heart of a $1-million gift to the 91亚色 Markham Campus that will give students new opportunities to explore creativity, experiment with technology and bring their ideas to life.
The gift and the opening of the newly named Adrian Lee-Kwen Makerspace, located in the Markham Campus Library, were celebrated at an event on Aug. 21.
The Makerspace provides equitable access to space, equipment and resources for students to learn through making and creation. Featuring digital fabrication tools, 3D printers and prototyping equipment, this dynamic space gives students the tools to experiment with new technologies, develop new skills and discover new interests.
The Makerspace reflects the role of universities as places of discovery and learning as technology continues to transform how people study, work and interact, says Lisa Philipps, 91亚色鈥檚 interim president and vice-chancellor. 鈥淲hile Adrian is deeply engaged with technology, his focus has always been on people: developing their potential and preparing them to take on the challenges ahead. His generous support and mentorship of students at 91亚色 reflects the depth of his commitment to developing the next generation of innovators.鈥
For Lee-Kwen, the significance of accessible spaces for creative pursuits is deeply personal. During the celebratory event, he shared that while in high school, he made an investment that seemed to others to be unusual at the time: he bought his first computer. That computer, he recalled cost more than the run-down car he was driving. While his math teacher was skeptical about this investment 鈥 as personal home computers were rare at the time 鈥 his history teacher cheered on the decision. That first computer would become an early step in a much longer journey.
As an early adopter of technology, this investment led to a lifelong interest in technology and computer science. Today Lee-Kwen is the senior vice-president of AI research and development for Workforce Engagement Management at Genesys, where he leads a global team of more than 350 engineers.
He sees the Makerspace as an environment he wishes had been available to him when he was a student: a place to explore curiosity and access modern equipment and technology.
Adrian Lee-Kwen talks to students about technology available in the Makerspace.
An example of a creation in the Makerspace using 3D printing technology.
The Aug. 21 event included a tour of the Makerspace facility in the Markham Campus Library.
Adrian Lee-Kwen engaged with students, staff and faculty during the celebration.
Adrian Lee-Kwen wearing the 91亚色 U jacket gifted by Lisa Philipps (left) and Dan Palermo (right).
Adrian Lee-Kwen (centre) with his family and MP Michael Ma (second from left).
鈥淲hat makes Adrian鈥檚 gift especially meaningful here is his connection to 91亚色 Region,鈥 says Dan Palermo, deputy provost, Markham Campus. 鈥淪tudents can see someone from their own community who followed their curiosity and went on to build a global career in technology.鈥
As an extension of Lee-Kwen鈥檚 commitment, he will serve as the inaugural Innovation Partner with the Markham Campus Library. In this role, he will share his experience and expertise directly with students through mentorship, complementing his investment in the Makerspace.
For Markham Campus students Sasha Tarassova and Jesse Tsang, what makes the Makerspace distinct is its openness. 鈥淭he Makerspace鈥檚 greatest draw is its accessibility in all aspects: physically, financially and in the philosophy and culture that it cultivates,鈥 says Tarassova.
鈥淚n today鈥檚 highly digital world, the Makerspace is an important bridge between the digital and the physical, to see first-hand the impacts of what we create,鈥 Tsang adds.
This connection between technology, creativity and real-world application is at the core of the Markham Campus, a made-in-Canada model of higher education. The campus is connected to industry, energized by experimentation and built to inspire innovators, makers and entrepreneurs in one of the country鈥檚 fastest growing and most diverse communities.
Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville and a long-standing champion of the Markham Campus, reflected on its potential to develop the workforce for jobs of the future. During the celebratory event, he said he hopes the impact of the Makerspace will help educate but also help foster a culture of innovation that encourages young people to build their careers and lives in Markham.
Lee-Kwen鈥檚 philanthropy and mentorship support student access to new opportunities to explore technology, creativity and innovation at the Markham Campus.