Robertson Philipp Family Prize illuminates the impact of a liberal education

It can be distilled down to a tap on the shoulder that set the trajectory for Kelly Philipp’s life some 25 years ago. Philipp (BMgt ’98), is the current chief financial officer for the Haul-All Group of Companies. The group, comprising Haul-All Systems, Sure Flame Products and Extreme Modular Buildings has found international success through many of their patented and trademark products, including their most recognized Hid-A-Bag container used across Canada and the United States.

But in the late 90s, Philipp was exploring options for his future through the community tradition of liberal education at the University of Lethbridge. According to Philipp, it’s liberal education, the philosophy that encourages multi-disciplinary courses and viewpoints, alongside a student-centred ethos, that makes the university special.

 “It wasn’t until after the fact that I realized how impactful and transformative liberal education is,” Philipp recalls. “Today, students are encouraged to attend university to study something rather narrow in the hope of getting a job. That's one route and maybe it’s appealing because it feels safe. To me it represents short-term thinking. There's so much colour and beauty in the world. Wouldn't it be nice if you could experience that colour and beauty via liberal education at a world-class university while charting a path to a lifelong career?”

Philipp’s liberal education allowed him to explore mathematics, music, philosophy, and economics while pursuing his business degree, and meet interesting and engaging people along the way. “Success in life and business often comes down to one’s ability to communicate and make connections,” he says. “A liberal education has allowed me to build bridges between different cultures and disciplines, which has given me an edge in business and in life.”

This holistic education and thinking back on the close-knit community that supported Philipp throughout his university experience is what recently inspired him, his wife, Dr. Karen Robertson, a local physician, and their kids, Claire Philipp and Vaughan Philipp, to create the Robertson Philipp Family Prize. The family says that the establishment of this family prize is just one way to show gratitude while celebrating everything ULethbridge has to offer future students on a path to their own success. 

The $2,000 scholarship supports students entering from high school in any undergraduate degree program, with a demonstrated commitment to community service and involvement through leadership, fine arts, athletics or innovative and entrepreneurial activities. It also asks students to write a short essay on the importance, significance or history of liberal education.

 While only one student will receive the prize each year, the Robertson-Philipp family hopes all students who apply will benefit just by researching a little bit about what liberal education means. “Historically, what was the purpose of university?” Philipp queries. “It was to learn how to ask the right questions, develop the confidence to solve problems and contribute to community. Develop your mind, find your passion and success will follow.”

The family also hopes the scholarship will allow students more time to engage with their peers and professors by removing some of the financial struggles students can face. “If I wasn’t on campus, getting involved and forming meaningful relationships, I wouldn’t have had some of those pivotal moments that have been key to success in life. If I was out working a subsistence job, it wouldn’t have happened.” 

“It.” That shoulder tap decades ago. It was Mary Thompson from the co-op office. “She said, ‘I want you to apply for this co-op at Haul-All,’” Philipp recalls. “And I said, ‘No, Mary. I really want to finish up my degree.’ She said, ‘I won’t accept no, this is perfect for you.’” So, Philipp begrudgingly applied. The rest is history. 

“It’s an example of how the University of Lethbridge takes a genuine interest in students,” says Philipp. “She took an interest in me and I’ll never forget it.”