TRU Foundation kicks-off annual campaign
Contacts: Karen Gamracy, TRU Development Officer, (p) 250.371.5715
October 17, 2008
The TRU Foundation kicked-off its annual campaign today, announcing its three pillars; Student assistance, Research and the House of Learning.
The capacity crowd of TRU supporters gathered in the Grand Hall of the CAC. They heard from Jade Johnson, a second year Bachelor of Science student. Johnson earned $12,000 for four years of study through with a TRU Ambassador Entrance Scholarship. Besides her academic excellence and leadership skills, her high school counsellor noted in the letter he wrote to support her application for the entrance scholarship that, “Jade is a remarkable young woman who while overcoming the loss of a younger sibling and the dissolution of her family unit, has not wavered in her quest to improve herself and has been an inspiration to all those she comes in contact with.”
“Last year the TRU Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarships and bursaries to students who applied for financial aid through money provided by TRU Foundation donors,” said Paul Wright, Foundation Annual Campaign Chair. “Even with this great support we were still only able to provide awards to 52 per cent of the students who applied for aid; unfortunately the other 48 per cent of students did not get any assistance because there was a shortage of funds available. Our goals is to close this gap and provide funds for all deserving students.”
Among the supporters who stood at the breakfast and announced their support was Tom Shouldice, president of G& T Metallurgical. He announced a $20,000 gift to establish an endowment to provide an award for a student majoring in Chemistry.
Kamloops businessman, Ron Fawcett also stood and announced his gift of $50,000 for student assistance, he said,” the future of our community is dependant on supporting our youth in reaching their goals."
David McIntyre, of David Nairne & Associates, presented an overview of the concept for the House of Learning. It was the largest group that has seen the firm’s vision for the four-storey, LEED certified library and learning space that is expected to be completed in 2010.
“This will be the house that Kamloops built,” said Christopher Seguin Vice-president Advancement. “The House of Learning campaign will be hugely supported by Kamloops Daily News’ contribution of $150,000 worth of advertising, a gift that will help us reach out to the community and celebrate our donors.”
Highlights of kickoff donors
- RBC Foundation - $50,000 to First Nations Programming
- Ron Fawcett - $50,000 endowment for student awards
- Interior Savings Credit Union - $25,000 endowment for student awards
- G&T Metallurgical - $20,000 endowment for student awards
- Canadian Home Builders Association, Central Interior - $15,000 awards for trades students
- Kamloops Daily News - $150,000 in kind donation
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