The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall in the Central Library was named in memory of Conrad and Heather Whelan’s mother, who passed away in January 2017.
As a beneficiary of the early learning and literacy supports that his family accessed through the Calgary Public Library system, Conrad is an advocate of lifelong learning. He fondly remembers his parents taking him and his sister for regular visits to Shaganappi Library, instilling in both of them a love of reading from a young age.
“I chose to give to the Library because I believe libraries are such an essential element in the development of civic spaces, cultures and cities. It means so much to be able to give back in such a memorable way to the city that raised me. I have many memories of my mother dropping me off at the Shaganappi Library where I’d read endless amounts of books and comics about travel and adventure. Those memories have now shaped me into the adventurer that I am today.”
After finding success within the tech start-up world, Conrad wanted to begin his philanthropic journey by giving back to a city that has given him so much. The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall at the new Central Library is named in honour of Patricia’s passion for literacy and in recognition of the importance of libraries. This will be a place for people to gather, listen to ideas, experience art, and share stories.
