The president of Mount Saint Vincent University calls a multimillion-dollar donation to help build a new campus building “significant and pivotal” in the school’s history.

Ramona Lumpkin, president of the Mount, said Margaret McCain’s donation of $2.25 million ‘ the largest individual contribution in the university’s history ‘ will help build the learning centre that will bear her name.

The Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research will not only be a space for classrooms, but also a museum-of-sorts that honours women, said Lumpkin.

She said there are plans for an artistic installation in the atrium that will highlight 12 inspiring women as well as a “wall of honour” in front of the building to pay homage to women in our daily lives.

“It will really be a landmark facility on the Mount’s campus that will tell the stories of women and inspire our students, faculty and staff for generations to come,” Lumpkin said on Thursday.

As a member of a number of women’s-rights organizations and the first female lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, McCain undoubtedly fits the bill as an inspirational woman, said Lumpkin.

McCain said the building is an initiative that is close to her heart.

“The health and well-being of women has been a personal mission of mine for the past 20 years,” she told a crowd of about 250 people at the Mount.

“I cannot state too strongly how important this is to cherish the Mount’s mission.”

McCain’s contribution brings the total money raised to $7 million since the launch of fundraising efforts for the $12-million facility last year.