$10M Gift from Former International Student Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial to Empower Huron Students

Huron University is pleased to announce a bold, $10 million gift from Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. This is celebrated as the largest donation in Huron’s 162-year history.

Huron University is very pleased to announce that is has received a transformative gift commitment from Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) to establish the Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise at Huron.

“Today, with the creation of the Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise at Huron University, we are making a statement: that we believe in Canada, and that it can be the land of opportunity for everyone, and that the free enterprise system that has helped to make the country what it is today should be recognized, maintained, and cultivated for the benefit of all Canadians. We believe that Huron University can help lead a revival of the entrepreneurial spirit that is key to our shared future,” said Mr. Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax.

From roots in India to building a multibillion-dollar global business in Canada

For Mr. Watsa, it is a full circle moment, as Fairfax is a Canadian story: an immigrant who was welcomed into this country 52 years ago and managed to build an incredibly successful company in a country built on the free enterprise system that allows people and businesses to prosper. From his humble roots in India to immigrating to Canada as a student with eight dollars in his pocket to building Fairfax into a multi-billion-dollar global business, Mr. Watsa noted that he feels compelled to help raise up the next generation of emerging innovators and entrepreneurs.

He adds that “Huron aims to provide an elite level of accessible education, but also to challenge its students to become leaders with Heart — to use the opportunity that they have been given to make a positive difference in the world.”

Impact for students interested in free enterprise

Huron University is overjoyed by this tremendous opportunity and what it means for its students. Dr. Barry Craig states, “This is a truly groundbreaking initiative. Establishing the first Centre in a Canadian university dedicated to the study and promotion of free enterprise, Huron will play an important role at a crucial time in our nation’s history. Huron alumni have been tremendously successful for many decades in the world of business, creating companies that have enriched our country.

Our current students, drawn from every province in Canada and from dozens of different countries around the world are being prepared to make a difference in society. We believe that they can both be successful in their chosen careers and contribute to the creation of a better world for others. This new Centre will help inspire our students and promote the value of entrepreneurship for all of Canada.”

Planning is underway to officially open the Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise at Huron University in September 2025.

Want to hear more about this transformative gift? Check out BNN Bloomberg’s interview with Huron President Dr. Barry Craig.