Local Enthusiasm

The building may still be under construction, but Brandonite Vionell “Jared” Jacobson (BBA ’03) is already anticipating spending time in the Healthy Living Centre (HLC) with his wife Robin (née Buckman, BScPN ’04) and their two young children. To show how much he cares about this new addition to the Brandon University campus, Jared has taken on the BUILD local division chair position to lend his energy to the campaign.

“This project is one that I feel will make a huge difference in our community. In fact, that’s why I’ve volunteered to help,” he said recently. “As we move forward in engaging the community in supporting this project, it is critical that people know of the opportunity that this facility makes possible. From fitness training to a space to hold competitive basketball or volleyball games, the addition of this new building to the Brandon University campus is important to the community and to the University.”

Sports have long been of interest to the former hockey player, and not surprisingly, Jared is an avid fan of the BU Bobcats teams. He has translated his support by ensuring that his company is a committed sponsor of the University’s volleyball and basketball teams. So, true to form, getting involved in the fundraising for the HLC was a natural fit for the local businessman.

“We had no stakes in the construction of the building, but yet we definitely support it. It is great for the community, great for the University,” he said of the HLC, adding another reason for his involvement. “I (also) felt that the local alumni awareness for the younger generations was lacking and by getting involved, it may spur some new ideas and new growth to alumni events.”

A lifelong resident of Brandon, Jared was interested in entrepreneurship as a student and chose to focus his studies in business administration at BU. For three generations, his family’s business — Jacobson and Greiner Homes — has thrived in the Wheat City. To ensure this continued into the future, Jared also obtained his certification as a New Housing Professional through the Manitoba Home Builders Association as well as his realtor licence.

Today, his professional life as CEO of J&G Homes is diversified and keeps Jared very busy. Though he remains involved in the home sales end of the business as well as the interaction with customers, he primarily oversees the continued development of the companies in his purview and creates a vision for the future. As a professional in the construction field, he shared his thoughts on the new sport and fitness facility on campus.

“It looks great practically and functionally,” Jared said. “Lots of times major projects are overdesigned for the look and not the practicality, where the HLC is not. I feel this will help the fundraising campaign as donors will have comfort knowing that dollars given are being spent efficiently.”

A professional who is concerned about his city as well as his alma mater, Jared realizes there will be many benefits for everyone — students and community members alike — with the addition of the HLC.

“It will fill gaps. We never had an indoor track or adequate seating for basketball/volleyball. It will be huge, moving forward, for new sporting events and attracting functions to Brandon, relating to healthy living,” said Jared. “With the aging population, I feel this adds another checkmark in the decision-making process for people moving to Brandon, who are wondering what there is to do and what facilities are available. I also think having the new alumni lounge will be attractive for businesses/alumni to host events and should have positive economic impacts on the rest of the community. It rounds out BU and steps it up with the larger schools in Canada.”

With the local campaign now launched, Jared is planning to successfully reach the targets set to complete the financing of the building and associated programs.

To donate to the HLC fundraising campaign, please call (204) 727-7374.