Capilano University names new building Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies

Release date: February 11, 2025

Tag(s): Education, Health & Human Development, News & Announcements

News release: CapU names new building Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies (PDF)

NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. February 11, 2025—Capilano University (CapU) announced today that its new building under construction will be named the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies. The name recognizes the generous support of Chancellor Yuri Fulmer and his family for early childhood education at CapU and their $2-million donation in support of the centre.

“Investing in Capilano University is important to me,” says Fulmer. “I live on the North Shore, and CapU is the University in my community. I’m proud it’s focused on delivering the very best education that it can.”

Fulmer was announced as CapU’s fourth chancellor in June 2020, and has been a consistent supporter of the University, donating both time and money. He has been a champion for the creation of the centre and an advocate for the importance of early childhood care and education in BC.

“Yuri and his mother have been a big part of the process of expanding early childhood care, education and research at the University through their support of the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies,” says Paul Dangerfield, president of CapU. “We are grateful to the Fulmer family for their ongoing work, helping to elevate the profession and raise awareness of the importance of accessible, quality care for children.”

“The early years are formative years in children’s lives,” says Fulmer. “Investing in early childhood care and education is investing in families and communities. We have an opportunity to have a profound impact on the future of the community through the creation of this new centre of excellence.”

The 23,000-square-foot two-storey building opens at the main North Vancouver campus in April with full operations in September and will allow for significant growth in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) admissions at CapU, 20 additional ECCE practicum placement spots and 74 new childcare spaces. It will house Western Canada’s only purpose-designed, integrated centre of early childhood care, research and lab school education.

In addition to the Fulmer family’s $2-million donation, the province is contributing $9.46 million towards the $25-million project. A total of $5.6 million was donated through a capital campaign.

Watch: CapU Chancellor Yuri Fulmer talks about his family's belief in the intrinsic value of high-quality early childhood education.

Submitted by: Communications