Varzari family establishes new bursary to help students in need

Not only are post-secondary students facing increased costs for their education, but they’re also facing higher costs for food and housing.

Chancellor Emerita Dr. Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02, LLD ’21) and her husband Glenn understand those challenges and have donated $50,000 to ULethbridge to create the Varzari Family Bursary Fund. The fund will support students in need with a variety of flexible bursaries.

“We know students face increased stress when they experience the financial challenges that come with today’s economy and inflation,” says Janice. “Our goal with this donation is to help alleviate some of that financial pressure so students can focus on their studies.

As an honorary campaign chair of the University’s current campaign for student scholarships, Janice continues to be a steadfast supporter of students. During her time as chancellor from 2015 to 2019, Janice was a skillful ambassador for the University. She saw ULethbridge through its 50th anniversary celebrations as it ushered in a new era of growth and maturity and she took a personal approach to enhancing the ULethbridge experience for all students. In 2021, she and Glenn backed the launch of the Student Wellness Ambassador Program to provide students with peer support. The Varzaris pledged to match money raised for the program up to $20,000.

Janice’s relationship to ULethbridge spans decades, and her and Glenn’s children are also part of the University family. Both daughters are ULethbridge graduates and Janice and one daughter both graduated in the spring of 2002. Janice continued to support the University after completing her education. She was inducted into the Alumni Honour Society in 2008 and has remained active as a donor, as well as a senate and board member, before she became the first member of the ULethbridge alumni family to hold the chancellor position.

“As a proud alumna and longtime volunteer and supporter of the University of Lethbridge, I care deeply about our students and their experiences while studying at ULethbridge,” she says.