$5 million donated for undergraduate scholarships

By Katy Atherholt, January 8 2015 —

The Joyce Foundation donated $5 million to the University of Calgary on Dec. 22, 2014 to create new bursaries for undergraduate students.

The donation is the largest ever given solely for scholarships at U of C. The awards will be available to incoming undergraduate students from Alberta enrolling at the U of C.

Joyce Foundation administrator Michelle Sullivan said they “seek to build a legacy for the future.”

“[We do this] through ongoing leadership and innovative partnerships, by promoting improved and meaningful social, economic and emotional engagement for young Canadians,” Sullivan said.

The foundation focuses on improving access to education for children and youth with financial struggles who face socio-economic barriers.

Ron Joyce, founder of The Joyce Foundation, is a Canadian entrepreneur who invested in the first Tim Hortons restaurant in 1966. He then co-founded the group that licensed all Tim Hortons until 1996.

The U of C presented him with an honorary doctorate degree in 2002.

The donation will establish the Jack Perraton and Ed and Lois Marshall Bursaries. Beginning in Fall 2016, the bursaries will fund up to 20 first year students with $5,000. It’s renewable for up to four years to a total of $20,000 per student.

Those chosen to receive the award will be paired with mentors through the university’s student engagement programs.

The Joyce Foundation has previously donated to other universities including Dalhousie, McMaster, Mount Allison, and Western.

U of C president Elizabeth Cannon is happy with the gift.

“Access to post-secondary education is critical in breaking the cycle for disadvantaged youth and transforming the future of our young people,” Cannon said.