VICTORIA - Just one month after officially starting his career as a lawyer with Toronto's Stockwoods LLP, University of Victoria men's rowing alumnus Adam Donaldson will give the keynote address at the 16th annual Vikes Championship Breakfast (VCB) on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

EVENT INFO & REGISTRATION

A long-time captain of the varsity men's rowing team, the 2018 Chancellors Award winner is well-loved for representing the community as an ambassador and is described by his former coach Aalbert Van Schothorst as a dynamic leader with a remarkable ability to maximize opportunities presented to him.

"It's an incredible honour to be the event's keynote speaker this year. The Vikes did so much for me— I wouldn't be where I am today without the department and supporters; I'm looking forward to giving back," said Donaldson.

"The VCB is the main pillar of Vikes fundraising for the year, and it sets the tone for the season in a way that brings the community together, shows support for the athletes and gives them confidence in what they are trying to accomplish."

Donaldson comes from a rowing pedigree—his mother, Lise Donaldson nee Wright, rowed for the Vikes in the 1980s, encouraging both her sons to get involved. Despite not loving it on his first outing, the Claremont Secondary student eventually found a passion for the sport in Grade 10, leading him to compete for Canada at the Junior World Championships in Lithuania before finding his spot on UVic's varsity roster.

Donaldson racked up plenty of accolades on the water during his five seasons rowing for the Vikes. A four-time Canadian University Rowing Championship gold medalist, he also helped lead the men's eight to three Brown Cup titles. Donaldson made history with the Canadian men's eight by winning gold for the first time in 15 years at the Canadian Henley Regatta.
 

Following his time at UVic, Donaldson went on to study law at York University's Osgoode Hall Law School where he received the Dean's Gold Key Award and the Upper Year Excellence Award for Academic Achievement. Before landing his new role at Stockwoods LLP, Donaldson clerked for judges at Ontario's Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.

"Rowing was such a demanding endeavor, mentally, physically, and emotionally; it taught me that if I can get through what I did as an athlete (particularly waking up at 5:00 a.m. every day), I can get through any challenge that comes my way. It gave me the tools to succeed how I want to and provided me with skills I can take forward into my career and anything I do."

Donaldson joins the ranks of prestigious Vikes alumni who have taken on the role of the VCB keynote presenter.

Over the last fifteen years, the Vikes Championship Breakfast has raised nearly eight million dollars towards student-athlete scholarships, with over $1.7 million being fully endowed from the proceeds. The support generated by the event helps with both recruitment and retention of athletes, allowing Vikes varsity student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level and excel in their studies.

All proceeds from the breakfast go towards student-athlete scholarships. To maximize support for Vikes student-athletes, the university generously provides $250,000 to help amplify all donations.

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2022: Kathleen Leahy (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (Women's Basketball Alumni)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (swimming), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich - rowing)
2018: Gareth Rees (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (Men's Basketball Alumni)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (Women's Field Hockey Alumna)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic Triathlete)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (Women's Rowing Alumna)
2013: Dr. Paul E. Zehr (UVic Professor and author)
2012: Pierre Lafontaine (Former Swimming Canada CEO)
2011: Adam Kreek (Men's Rowing Alumni)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (Women's Swimming Alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (Men's Basketball Alumni)
 
BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2022: $807,256
2021: $707,590
2020: $630,000
2019: $550,000
2018: $604,000
2017: $595,050
2016: $503,909
2015: $466,756
2014: $482,640
2013: $492,086
2012: $426,606
2011: $424,685
2010: $377,405
2009: $338,196
2008: $330,961