Board of Governors pledges $10 million in match funds to support student scholarships

Acknowledging that increased financial support is critical in ensuring a university education remains an option for more students, the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors is pledging $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships.

The funds, which will be used to attract and inspire philanthropic support from the community in support of student awards and scholarships, will significantly increase the sustainability of the ULethbridge awards program and lay the foundation for future generations of students.

“Our students are at the centre of everything we do here, and student support and the student experience has long been a hallmark of ULethbridge,” says Board of Governors Chair Dean Gallimore.

“What is available to our students is an enriching experience across a breadth of programs and majors, and one that prepares them as critical thinkers and global citizens. We see this endowment of funds as a means to remove barriers and allow more students the opportunity to pursue their passions and realize success.”

By offering $10 million in match contributions, the University is aiming to build a significant base of support that will unlock opportunities for future generations of students. It will allow ULethbridge to further attract, retain and reward diverse and promising students now and for generations to come.

“I applaud the board for this substantial commitment, which will have both an immediate and everlasting impact on the University’s mission to educate students as adaptive learners and strong-minded community leaders,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “This pledge is a vote of confidence in what we do, who we are as a university and the future that is before us.”

Scholarships and awards play a key role in student success. For some, scholarships are the incentive and reward for hard work and dedication, community service or athletic excellence. For others, scholarships relieve the financial burden post-secondary education can place on themselves and their families, and in some cases, scholarship funds create access and make the dream of attending university possible.

“I have had the opportunity to speak to many of our students who have received scholarships over the years and the difference it makes in their lives is substantial,” says Mahon. “So many speak of how scholarship support allows them to focus on their studies, pursue their passions and really embrace the full university experience.”

ULethbridge is also pleased to announce a distinguished group of alumni and community leaders who have been chosen to champion this new initiative and help build a plan for it moving forward. Former chancellor Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Bernadine Boulet (BEd ’88) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90) have all been selected as outstanding ambassadors for the University.